2001 Smart Roadster vs. 2012 Renault Espace
To start off, 2012 Renault Espace is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Renault Espace (239 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2001 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Renault Espace weights approximately 950 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.
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, 2012 Renault Espace, 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, 2012 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2012 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster. 2012 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 2001 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2001 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart Roadster | 2012 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Smart | Renault |
| Model | Roadster | Espace |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 2110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 83 L |
