2003 Smart Roadster vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
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, 2003 Smart Roadster (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart Roadster | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2430 mm |
