1981 Nissan Stanza vs. 2011 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2011 Smart ForTwo is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Stanza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Stanza would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Stanza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Stanza (87 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Stanza weights approximately 310 kg more than 2011 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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 Nissan Stanza (151 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Stanza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Stanza | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Nissan | Smart |
| Model | Stanza | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 1867 mm |
