1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | 230 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 35 L |
