1996 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 130 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, 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, 1996 Honda Civic (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Civic | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1200 mm |
