2006 Smart ForTwo vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 245 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 245 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 429 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, 1974 Volvo 245 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 245 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForTwo | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | ForTwo | 245 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 60 L |
