1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2003 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | 380 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 35 L |
