2004 Toyota RAV4 vs. 1997 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2004 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota RAV4 (145 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda S-MX weights approximately 45 kg more than 2004 Toyota RAV4.
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, 2004 Toyota RAV4 (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda S-MX. 1997 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2004 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 2004 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota RAV4 | 1997 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Toyota | Honda |
| Model | RAV4 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
