1966 Lotus Elan 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 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Smart Roadster weights approximately 189 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
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 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Elan | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2370 mm |
