2012 Smart ForTwo vs. 1986 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Smart ForTwo (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Tercel.
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, 1986 Toyota Tercel, 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 Smart ForTwo (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Tercel. (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Smart ForTwo | 1986 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Smart | Toyota |
| Model | ForTwo | Tercel |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1000 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
