2002 Honda S-MX vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 75 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
