1966 Datsun 1000 vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Datsun 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Datsun 1000 would be higher. At 988 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Datsun 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Datsun 1000 (61 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Datsun 1000 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 190 kg more than 1966 Datsun 1000.
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, 2005 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Datsun 1000. (84 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Datsun 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Datsun 1000 | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Datsun | Smart |
| Model | 1000 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 988 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 1820 mm |
