1957 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin A 40 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Because 1957 Austin A 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 1957 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 40. 2001 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 40 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | A 40 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 47 L |
