2005 Proton 400 vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Proton 400 is newer by 4 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Proton 400 weights approximately 175 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.
Because 2001 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 2001 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Proton 400, 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 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Proton 400 | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Proton | Smart |
| Model | 400 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1820 mm |
