1966 Riley Kestrel 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 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Riley Kestrel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Riley Kestrel weights approximately 80 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.
Because 2004 Smart ForTwo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Riley Kestrel | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Riley | Smart |
| Model | Kestrel | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2004 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 22 L |
