2002 MCC Smart vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 2002 MCC Smart is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 701 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Reliant Bug is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 MCC Smart (80 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 MCC Smart should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 MCC Smart weights approximately 408 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. 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, 2002 MCC Smart (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 MCC Smart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 MCC Smart | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | MCC | Reliant |
| Model | Smart | Bug |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 121 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 816 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 1960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 23 L |
