1966 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 495 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | SL | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2306 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 22 L |
