1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 85 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
