1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 40 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Smart ForTwo (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | A 40 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 965 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 | 33 L |
