2006 Smart ForTwo vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 605 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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 264 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 264 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForTwo | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | ForTwo | 264 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 60 L |
