2003 Ford Ka vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 7 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 368 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Ka | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
