1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 698 cc (3 cylinders), 2006 Smart Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart Roadster weights approximately 349 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1974 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1974 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 500 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 35 L |
