1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 735 kg more than 2002 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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Thunderbird | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2370 mm |
