1956 Buick 40 vs. 2004 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 620 kg more than 2004 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Buick 40 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 1956 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 2004 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Buick | Smart |
| Model | 40 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2510 mm |
