2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 10 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 222 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer.
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, 2008 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Explorer | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
