2003 Smart ForTwo vs. 2008 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2008 Smart Roadster is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Smart ForTwo would be higher. Both 2003 Smart ForTwo and 2008 Smart Roadster are equipped with a 698 cc engine.
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, 2008 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart ForTwo. (96 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart ForTwo. 2008 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 2003 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2003 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart ForTwo | 2008 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Smart | Smart |
| Model | ForTwo | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.7 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 35 L |
