2006 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 426 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.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 2006 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, 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, 2012 Kia Forte (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Kia Forte has automatic transmission and 2006 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2006 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Smart | Kia |
| Model | ForTwo | Forte |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 52 L |
