1998 Ford Probe vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Probe weights approximately 345 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, 1998 Ford Probe, 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, 1998 Ford Probe (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Probe 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:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Probe | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1200 mm |
