1999 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 AC Cobra (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2012 Smart ForTwo.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1999 AC Cobra (522 Nm) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (125 Nm). This means 1999 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1999 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1999 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 AC Cobra | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | AC | Smart |
| Model | Cobra | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
