1965 NSU 1200 vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 NSU 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 NSU 1200 would be higher. At 1,177 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 NSU 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 NSU 1200 (54 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 NSU 1200 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 99 kg more than 1965 NSU 1200.
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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 NSU 1200. (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 NSU 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 NSU 1200 | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | NSU | Smart |
| Model | 1200 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1177 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 716 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1820 mm |
