1997 Renault Espace vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Renault Espace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Espace would be higher. At 2,963 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Espace (166 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Espace weights approximately 845 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Renault Espace, 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, 1997 Renault Espace (235 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo. 1997 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 2005 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2005 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Espace | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | Espace | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2963 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1820 mm |
