1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 630 kg more than 2006 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 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 2006 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2006 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | 350 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2370 mm |
