1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 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), 2010 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 235 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.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| 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 | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
