1962 BMW 1500 vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. Both 1962 BMW 1500 and 2006 Smart ForFour are equipped with a 1,499 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 1500 weights approximately 68 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Because 1962 BMW 1500 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 1962 BMW 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 1500 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2510 mm |
