2002 Toyota RAV4 vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Toyota RAV4. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Toyota RAV4. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Toyota RAV4 (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota RAV4 | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Toyota | Honda |
| Model | RAV4 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
