1974 Honda Life vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 698 cc (3 cylinders), 2005 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life.
Because 2005 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Life, 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, 2005 Smart ForTwo (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Life | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 33 L |
