1998 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2009 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 2009 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, 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, 1998 Ford Focus (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Focus | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.4:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 33 L |
