1979 Citroen GSA vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen GSA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen GSA would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen GSA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen GSA (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen GSA should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Citroen GSA weights approximately 115 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Citroen GSA, 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 (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen GSA. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen GSA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen GSA | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Citroen | Smart |
| Model | GSA | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 156 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 1820 mm |
