1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2001 Smart Roadster is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2001 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 160 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.
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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 35 L |
