2008 Fiat Panda vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda is newer by 2 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat Panda weights approximately 45 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
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, 2008 Fiat Panda, 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, 2008 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 2008 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2008 Fiat Panda 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:
| 2008 Fiat Panda | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | Panda | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 33 L |
