1980 Fiat 127 vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 901 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart Roadster weights approximately 160 kg more than 1980 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart Roadster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Fiat 127, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 127. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 127 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 127 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 127 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 127 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 901 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2370 mm |
