2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2008 Smart Roadster is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine.
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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Smart Roadster. 2008 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 Length | 3980 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 35 L |
