2009 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 977 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 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Jetta | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
