1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 222 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 2009 Nissan Xterra 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. 2009 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | S-MX | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
