1961 BMW 700 vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 700 would be higher. At 799 cc (3 cylinders), 2002 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart ForTwo (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1961 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 155 kg more than 1961 BMW 700. 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, 2002 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 700 | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 700 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 22 L |
