1997 Honda NSX vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 505 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.
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 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1997 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | NSX | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 35 L |
