1997 Renault Clio vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Clio would be higher. At 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1997 Renault Clio. (59 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForFour weights approximately 115 kg more than 1997 Renault Clio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2005 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Clio. (85 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Clio. 2005 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1997 Renault Clio has manual transmission. 1997 Renault Clio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Clio | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | Clio | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1170 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.8 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 75.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 47 L |
