1949 Austin 16 vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 63 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Smart ForTwo (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1949 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin 16.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1949 Austin 16 (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1949 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1949 Austin 16 has manual transmission. 1949 Austin 16 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin 16 | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | 16 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
