2001 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 3 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 167 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 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 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Polo | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Polo | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
