1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2001 Smart Roadster is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2001 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 495 kg more than 2001 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | SL | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 35 L |
