2002 Honda Accord vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Honda Accord 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Accord (152 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 216 kg more than 2002 Honda Accord.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Honda Accord. 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, 2002 Honda Accord (192 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2002 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 2002 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Accord | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
