1997 Honda Life vs. 2004 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,123 cc (3 cylinders), 2004 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Smart ForFour weights approximately 175 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Smart ForFour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Smart ForFour (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life. 2004 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Life | 2004 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Life | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
