2005 Smart Roadster vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Because 2005 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 2005 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart Roadster | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Smart | Smart |
| Model | Roadster | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 9.8 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 | 5.5 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 47 L |
