2009 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 36 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
