2001 Smart Roadster vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2001 Smart Roadster is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 113 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart Roadster | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2480 mm |
