2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 1 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 650 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | C | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 22 L |
