2008 Kia Carnival vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2008 Kia Carnival 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 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Carnival (142 HP @ 8800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Carnival weights approximately 890 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. 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 Kia Carnival. 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 Kia Carnival (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Carnival 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 Kia Carnival has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Carnival 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 Kia Carnival | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Kia | Honda |
| Model | Carnival | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2901 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2220 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
