1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Aspen (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Aspen should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 600 kg more than 2003 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, 1979 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Dodge | Smart |
| Model | Aspen | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2370 mm |
