1989 Nissan Santana vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2001 Smart Roadster is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2001 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Santana weights approximately 209 kg more than 2001 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Santana, 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, 1989 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Santana | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Nissan | Smart |
| Model | Santana | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2370 mm |
