1974 Opel Ascona vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,194 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Opel Ascona weights approximately 95 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Smart ForTwo (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Opel Ascona | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Ascona | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1194 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1820 mm |
