2006 Chevrolet Spark vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet Spark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet Spark would be higher. At 1,000 cc (3 cylinders), 2012 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Smart ForTwo (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. (65 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Spark.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Smart ForTwo (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. (87 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. 2012 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet Spark has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet Spark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Spark | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Smart |
| Model | Spark | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
