1998 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (59 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 155 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | A | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
