1975 Fiat 131 vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Fiat 131 weights approximately 135 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, 2003 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 131 | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 131 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2370 mm |
