2004 Smart ForFour vs. 1988 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Fairlane (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 665 kg more than 2004 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Fairlane 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 1988 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForFour, 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForFour. 1988 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2004 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2004 Smart ForFour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Smart ForFour | 1988 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Smart | Ford |
| Model | ForFour | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1123 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2950 mm |
