2003 Honda Life vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2003 Honda Life is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 542 kg more than 2003 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Life | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Life | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
