1953 Ford Popular vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1953 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1953 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForFour weights approximately 235 kg more than 1953 Ford Popular. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Ford Popular is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Ford Popular. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Ford Popular | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Popular | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |
