1959 Fiat 600 vs. 2004 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,123 cc (3 cylinders), 2004 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 600. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Smart ForFour weights approximately 215 kg more than 1959 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 600 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 1959 Fiat 600. 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, 2004 Smart ForFour (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 600. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 600 | 2004 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 600 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 47 L |
