2002 Smart Roadster vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1966 Wartburg 353 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 353 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Because 2002 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 2002 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 2002 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart Roadster | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Smart | Wartburg |
| Model | Roadster | 353 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2460 mm |
