1979 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Cortina (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Cortina weights approximately 185 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Cortina | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Cortina | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 22 L |
