2005 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Peugeot 408
To start off, 2012 Peugeot 408 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Peugeot 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Peugeot 408 (110 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Peugeot 408 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2005 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Peugeot 408, 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, 2012 Peugeot 408 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Peugeot 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Peugeot 408 | |
| Make | Smart | Peugeot |
| Model | ForTwo | 408 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 797 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1815 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1525 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2710 mm |
