2003 Smart Roadster vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Corona (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Corona weights approximately 100 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.
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, 1981 Toyota Corona (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Corona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart Roadster | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Smart | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | Corona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2530 mm |
