2001 Mazda 626 vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda 626 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda 626 weights approximately 435 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 626, 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, 2001 Mazda 626 (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda 626 | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 626 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 22 L |
