2007 Subaru Forester vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2007 Subaru Forester is newer by 9 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX.
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, 2007 Subaru Forester (307 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2007 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2007 Subaru Forester 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:
| 2007 Subaru Forester | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Subaru | Honda |
| Model | Forester | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
