2008 Ford Ka vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka 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 1,973 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 36 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 194 kg more than 2008 Ford Ka. 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 2008 Ford Ka. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Ka | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
