1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 1 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
