1986 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Honda Civic (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Honda Civic weights approximately 85 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic, 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, 1986 Honda Civic (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1986 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Civic | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 1820 mm |
