2001 Honda S-MX vs. 2003 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda S-MX weights approximately 240 kg more than 2003 Honda Civic. 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 2003 Honda Civic. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2001 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic. 2003 Honda Civic 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. 2003 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 2003 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S-MX | Civic |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
