1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForTwo (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 40 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
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, 2005 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | A 40 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 22 L |
