1959 Berkeley B vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 50 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 999 cc (3 cylinders), 2009 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Smart ForTwo (70 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Smart ForTwo (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Berkeley | Smart |
| Model | B | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 33 L |
