2002 Honda S-MX vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 255 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 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S-MX. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1520 mm |
