1980 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Capri weights approximately 131 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Capri. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Capri | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2370 mm |
