1996 Mitsubishi Carisma vs. 2011 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2011 Smart ForTwo is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma would be higher. At 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma (115 HP @ 5190 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma weights approximately 430 kg more than 2011 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma, 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Smart |
| Model | Carisma | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5190 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1542 mm |
