2003 Smart Roadster vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 698 cc (3 cylinders), 2003 Smart Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart Roadster weights approximately 85 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart Roadster | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Smart | Smart |
| Model | Roadster | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| 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 | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
