2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 11 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 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 528 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Dodge | Honda |
| Model | Nitro | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
