1981 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2009 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 2009 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lancia | Smart |
| Model | Beta | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 33 L |
