1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 719 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2002 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | 260 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 1820 mm |
