2002 Smart Roadster vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 10 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 535 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 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart Roadster | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Smart | Nissan |
| Model | Roadster | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2685 mm |
