1969 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 81 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 120 kg more 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, 1969 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1969 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster. 1969 Chevrolet Vega 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. 1969 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Vega | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Smart |
| Model | Vega | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2370 mm |
