1983 Toyota Corolla vs. 2004 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Smart ForFour weights approximately 85 kg more than 1983 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Toyota Corolla 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 1983 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForFour, 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, 2004 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Corolla. 2004 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1983 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1983 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Toyota Corolla | 2004 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Toyota | Smart |
| Model | Corolla | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
