2004 Smart ForTwo vs. 2008 Toyota Matrix
To start off, 2008 Toyota Matrix is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Matrix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Matrix (126 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Matrix should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Matrix weights approximately 550 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Smart ForTwo 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 2004 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Matrix, 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, 2008 Toyota Matrix (165 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Matrix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Smart ForTwo | 2008 Toyota Matrix | |
| Make | Smart | Toyota |
| Model | ForTwo | Matrix |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 3.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 50 L |
