1962 Lotus Elite vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,215 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elite (83 HP) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 155 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite.
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, 1962 Lotus Elite (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Elite | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 60 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 33 L |
