2006 Smart ForFour vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 2,125 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 245. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 304 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Because 1974 Volvo 245 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 245. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 245. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 245. 1974 Volvo 245 has automatic transmission and 2006 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2006 Smart ForFour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 245 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForFour | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | ForFour | 245 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1467 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
