1957 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 47 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, 2004 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 85 kg more than 2004 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, 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, both vehicles can yield 100 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 40 | 2004 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | A 40 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 965 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 |
