1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 480 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Fairlane | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 75.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 970 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 |
