2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, both 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 and 2003 Smart Roadster were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,746 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 380 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Smart |
| Model | 156 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
