1996 Proton 400 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 Proton 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Proton 400 would be higher. At 1,466 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Proton 400 (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Proton 400 weights approximately 255 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 Proton 400, 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 Proton 400 (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Proton 400 | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Proton | Smart |
| Model | 400 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1466 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1867 mm |
