1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 675 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Smart |
| Model | Nova | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2370 mm |
