2009 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 13 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 364 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 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:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Focus | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
