2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 2009 Kia Forte
To start off, 2009 Kia Forte is newer by 8 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Forte weights approximately 482 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Forte, 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, 2009 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 2009 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Smart | Kia |
| Model | ForTwo | Forte |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 52 L |
