2006 Kia Sportage vs. 1997 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage is newer by 9 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 212 kg more than 1997 Honda S-MX. 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, 1997 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage. 1997 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Sportage 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:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 1997 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Kia | Honda |
| Model | Sportage | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| 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 | 140 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2510 mm |
