2009 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda S-MX weights approximately 364 kg more than 2009 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Ka. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka. 1997 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1997 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Ka | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
