1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2006 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 131 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 965 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 |
