2001 Smart ForFour vs. 1963 Rover P5
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Rover P5 (119 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Rover P5 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Rover P5 weights approximately 750 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Rover P5 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 1963 Rover P5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, 1963 Rover P5 (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour. 1963 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 2001 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2001 Smart ForFour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForFour | 1963 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Smart | Rover |
| Model | ForFour | P5 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 45 L |
