2001 Honda S-MX vs. 1988 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2001 Honda S-MX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda S-MX weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Tempo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo. 1988 Ford Tempo has automatic transmission and 2001 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 2001 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 1988 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Honda | Ford |
| Model | S-MX | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2540 mm |
