2002 MCC Smart vs. 1981 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 2002 MCC Smart is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 MCC Smart (80 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 MCC Smart should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Lynx weights approximately 160 kg more than 2002 MCC Smart.
Because 2002 MCC Smart 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 2002 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1981 Mercury Lynx (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 MCC Smart. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 MCC Smart | 1981 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | MCC | Mercury |
| Model | Smart | Lynx |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2400 mm |
