1978 Renault 12 vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 12 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 12, 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 ForTwo (101 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 12 | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | 12 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 138 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 22 L |
