1972 Ford Fairlane vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 485 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Fairlane 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 1972 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, 1972 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Fairlane | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Fairlane | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
