1960 Hudson Metropolitan vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Hudson Metropolitan would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Hudson Metropolitan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. (47 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForFour weights approximately 152 kg more than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Hudson Metropolitan 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 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. 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 (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Hudson Metropolitan. 2005 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1960 Hudson Metropolitan has manual transmission. 1960 Hudson Metropolitan 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:
| 1960 Hudson Metropolitan | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Hudson | Smart |
| Model | Metropolitan | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 818 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2510 mm |
