2002 Honda S-MX vs. 2003 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2003 Subaru Forester is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Forester weights approximately 55 kg more than 2002 Honda S-MX.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Forester. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Forester. 2003 Subaru Forester 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. 2003 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 2003 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Honda | Subaru |
| Model | S-MX | Forester |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2530 mm |
