2001 Honda S-MX vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 3 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2001 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 740 kg more than 2001 Honda S-MX. 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 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2850 mm |
