2002 Smart Roadster vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,255 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart Roadster weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart Roadster | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Smart | Vauxhall |
| Model | Roadster | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2400 mm |
