1959 Berkeley QB vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 698 cc (3 cylinders), 2006 Smart Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart Roadster weights approximately 484 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart Roadster 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 Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1959 Berkeley QB has manual transmission. 1959 Berkeley QB will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Berkeley | Smart |
| Model | QB | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 81 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 35 L |
