2003 Smart Roadster vs. 2001 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota MR2 (140 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 725 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, 2001 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm). This means 2001 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart Roadster | 2001 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Smart | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2470 mm |
