1981 Ford Laser vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 28 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser.
Because 2010 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 2010 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser, 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, 1981 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Laser | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Laser | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 1867 mm |
