1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-7 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 90 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, 1978 Mazda RX-7 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-7 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | RX-7 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 35 L |
