2007 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 106 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volkswagen Golf | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Golf | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
