2002 Honda S-MX vs. 1998 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Potentia weights approximately 135 kg more than 2002 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Kia Potentia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Kia Potentia. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Kia Potentia. 1998 Kia Potentia has automatic transmission and 2002 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 2002 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 1998 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | S-MX | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
