2002 Ford Ka vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 450 kg more than 2002 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Ka | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
