1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 14 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte 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 42 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Forte. 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, 2012 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte 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 | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | S-MX | Forte |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2649 mm |
