1999 MCC Smart vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1999 MCC Smart is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Plymouth Horizon (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1999 MCC Smart. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1999 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 300 kg more than 1999 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 MCC Smart 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 1999 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1981 Plymouth Horizon (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 MCC Smart. (80 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Plymouth Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 MCC Smart | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | MCC | Plymouth |
| Model | Smart | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 599 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3230 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2530 mm |
