1983 Ford Orion vs. 2013 Smart Fortwo
To start off, 2013 Smart Fortwo is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Orion would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Smart Fortwo (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1983 Ford Orion. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Smart Fortwo should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Orion weights approximately 36 kg more than 2013 Smart Fortwo.
Because 2013 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 2013 Smart Fortwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion, 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, 1983 Ford Orion (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Smart Fortwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Smart Fortwo. 2013 Smart Fortwo has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Orion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Smart Fortwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Orion | 2013 Smart Fortwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Orion | Fortwo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1559 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1867 mm |
