2002 Smart Roadster vs. 2004 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Vibe (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Vibe weights approximately 340 kg more than 2002 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Smart Roadster. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Vibe will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Pontiac Vibe (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac Vibe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster. 2004 Pontiac Vibe has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2002 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Pontiac Vibe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart Roadster | 2004 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Smart | Pontiac |
| Model | Roadster | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2610 mm |
