1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 13 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 332 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 2011 Mercury Mariner. 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | S-MX | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2619 mm |
