1959 Subaru 360 vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Subaru 360 would be higher. At 1,124 cc (3 cylinders), 2005 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1959 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1959 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForFour weights approximately 580 kg more than 1959 Subaru 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Subaru 360 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 Subaru 360. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Smart ForFour (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Subaru 360. 2005 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1959 Subaru 360 has manual transmission. 1959 Subaru 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Subaru 360 | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Subaru | Smart |
| Model | 360 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 385 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1780 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 47 L |
