2003 Smart Roadster vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,124 cc (3 cylinders), 2002 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour.
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, 2002 Smart ForFour, 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, 2003 Smart Roadster (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart Roadster | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Smart | Smart |
| Model | Roadster | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 13.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
