1966 Bristol 409 vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1966 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster. 1966 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 2003 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Bristol 409 | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Bristol | Smart |
| Model | 409 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 35 L |
