1998 Renault Twingo vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Renault Twingo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Twingo would be higher. At 1,149 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Twingo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Renault Twingo. (57 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Twingo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Twingo weights approximately 15 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2002 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 2002 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Renault Twingo, 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, 2002 Smart ForTwo (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Twingo. (92 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Twingo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Twingo | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | Twingo | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1149 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3440 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 1820 mm |
