1975 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,467 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForFour weights approximately 580 kg more than 1975 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Fiat 500 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 1975 Fiat 500. 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 500 | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 500 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 50 L |
