1959 Bristol 406 vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Bristol 406 (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Bristol 406 weights approximately 451 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1959 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (101 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1959 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Bristol | Smart |
| Model | 406 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 22 L |
