1988 Ford Fiesta vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 957 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Fiesta (44 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 37 kg more than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
Because 2002 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 2002 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2002 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fiesta | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Fiesta | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 768 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 1820 mm |
