2005 Honda Insight vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Insight would be higher. At 1,000 cc (3 cylinders), 2009 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Smart ForTwo (83 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Insight.
Because 2009 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 2009 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Insight, 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, 2005 Honda Insight (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (121 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Insight | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Insight | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1870 mm |
