1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 129 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 85 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen T5.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen T5. 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 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 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | T5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 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 | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3410 mm |
