2006 Smart ForTwo vs. 1971 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 1,679 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volkswagen 411 (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen 411 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen 411 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Volkswagen 411 (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (101 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Volkswagen 411 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForTwo | 1971 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | 411 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2510 mm |
