2005 Smart ForFour vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 244 (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 244 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 244 weights approximately 314 kg more than 2005 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Volvo 244 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 1974 Volvo 244. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1974 Volvo 244 (170 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart ForFour | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | ForFour | 244 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 60 L |
