1998 Mazda 323 vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, 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 Mazda 323 (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 2010 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2010 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 323 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 33 L |
