1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2008 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Smart ForTwo is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Smart ForTwo. (98 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2008 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Smart ForTwo. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Smart ForTwo. 2008 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2008 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | 230 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 98 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
