2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 2008 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Smart ForTwo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 999 cc (3 cylinders), 2008 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Smart ForTwo (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 2001 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, 2008 Smart ForTwo (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo. 2008 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 2001 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2001 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 2008 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Smart | Smart |
| Model | ForTwo | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 52 L |
