2005 Smart Roadster vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 101 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar.
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 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart Roadster | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
