2009 Smart ForTwo vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2009 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 2009 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Smart ForTwo | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 999 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2700 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1870 mm | 2480 mm |
