2004 Smart ForFour vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 1,123 cc (3 cylinders), 2004 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Smart ForFour weights approximately 100 kg more than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Because 2001 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 2001 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2001 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Smart ForFour | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Smart | Smart |
| Model | ForFour | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1123 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.8 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.4 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 35 L |
