2002 Smart ForTwo vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 695 kg more than 2002 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart ForTwo | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | ForTwo | 960 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2780 mm |
