2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 11 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1075 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.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 500 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Smart | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | ForTwo | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
