1962 Mitsubishi 500 vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mitsubishi 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mitsubishi 500 would be higher. At 798 cc (3 cylinders), 2001 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForTwo (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1962 Mitsubishi 500. (23 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1962 Mitsubishi 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 285 kg more than 1962 Mitsubishi 500. 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 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Mitsubishi 500. (35 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Mitsubishi 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Mitsubishi 500 | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Smart |
| Model | 500 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 35 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2070 mm | 1820 mm |
