2002 Honda S-MX vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 10 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul 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 70 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Soul. 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, 2012 Kia Soul (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S-MX. 2012 Kia Soul 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. 2012 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | S-MX | Soul |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2550 mm |
