1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (121 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 173 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-MX | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
