1981 Nissan Cherry 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 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Cherry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Cherry (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart Roadster weights approximately 38 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry.
Because 2005 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 2005 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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, 1981 Nissan Cherry (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Cherry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Cherry | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Nissan | Smart |
| Model | Cherry | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2370 mm |
