1980 Fiat 127 vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 901 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Fiat 127 (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 100 kg more than 1980 Fiat 127.
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, 1980 Fiat 127, 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 127 | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 127 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 901 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 1820 mm |
