2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 16 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 70 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 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 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:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Jetta | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2510 mm |
