2003 Smart Roadster vs. 1980 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart Roadster (81 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Corolla. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Smart Roadster weights approximately 45 kg more than 1980 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Corolla. (93 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart Roadster | 1980 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Smart | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
