1961 Ford Prefect vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,689 cc, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart (94 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart weights approximately 697 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart (185 Nm) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart has automatic transmission and 1961 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1961 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prefect | Smart |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3230 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 88 L |
