2012 Honda Insight vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, both 2012 Honda Insight and 2012 Smart ForTwo were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Insight (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 2012 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2012 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 2012 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight, 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 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Honda Insight | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Insight | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
