1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2005 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2005 Smart Roadster is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 131 (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 217 kg more than 2005 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | 131 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2370 mm |
