2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 175 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
Model | Passat | S-MX |
Year Released | 2012 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 130 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 250 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1330 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2510 mm |