2005 Smart Roadster vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 7 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 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 184 kg more than 2005 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart Roadster | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Smart | Fiat |
| Model | Roadster | 500 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 888 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 40 L |
