2005 Scion xA vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2005 Scion xA is newer by 7 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 23 more horse power than 2005 Scion xA. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2005 Scion xA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 262 kg more than 2005 Scion xA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Scion xA. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Scion xA. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Scion xA. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2005 Scion xA has manual transmission. 2005 Scion xA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Scion xA | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Scion | Honda |
| Model | xA | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1495 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2510 mm |
