2003 Smart Roadster vs. 1986 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mitsubishi Magna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mitsubishi Magna would be higher. At 2,553 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna (111 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 440 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, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna, 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, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna (195 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1986 Mitsubishi Magna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster. 1986 Mitsubishi Magna has automatic transmission and 2003 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mitsubishi Magna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart Roadster | 1986 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Smart | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Roadster | Magna |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2600 mm |
