1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 15 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), 2013 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 44 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 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | GTI |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| 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 | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2578 mm |
