1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2013 Smart Fortwo
To start off, 2013 Smart Fortwo is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,000 cc (3 cylinders), 2013 Smart Fortwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Smart Fortwo (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Smart Fortwo should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Smart Fortwo weights approximately 79 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Smart Fortwo (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Smart Fortwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 2013 Smart Fortwo has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Smart Fortwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2013 Smart Fortwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | A 40 | Fortwo |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1559 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 33 L |
