2008 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 12 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 47 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Focus. 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, 2008 Ford Focus (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus 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:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Focus | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1283 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
