1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2009 Kia Forte
To start off, 2009 Kia Forte is newer by 11 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Forte 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 104 kg more than 2009 Kia Forte.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Forte. 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, 2009 Kia Forte (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 2009 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | S-MX | Forte |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2649 mm |
