2006 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 8 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (136 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 1530 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX. 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 2006 Ford Focus. 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Focus | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
