2001 Smart Roadster vs. 1971 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 2001 Smart Roadster is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 1,604 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Because 2001 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 2001 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1971 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart Roadster | 1971 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | K 70 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 45 L |
