1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 55 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. 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, 2005 Smart ForTwo (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | A 40 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 33 L |
