2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart (94 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (90 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart weights approximately 385 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart (185 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (145 Nm). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Corona has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Corona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | Smart | Corona |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Type | electric | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3230 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 60 L |
