1974 Lancia Beta vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 185 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Beta, 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, 1974 Lancia Beta (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lancia | Smart |
| Model | Beta | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 22 L |
