1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 155 kg more than 2002 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, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Smart |
| Model | Spider | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 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 | 1040 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2370 mm |
