1959 Berkeley B vs. 2003 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2003 Smart ForTwo is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 698 cc (3 cylinders), 2003 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart ForTwo (60 HP) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 459 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Smart ForTwo 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 2003 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, 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, 2003 Smart ForTwo (96 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 2003 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Berkeley | Smart |
| Model | B | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 60 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 33 L |
