1959 Lotus Seven 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 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,171 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Seven. (38 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 370 kg more than 1959 Lotus Seven. 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. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Seven | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Seven | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1171 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3280 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 1820 mm |
