2006 Fiat Idea vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Fiat Idea 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 1,248 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Fiat Idea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Idea. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Idea weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Because 2003 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 2003 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Idea, 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 Fiat Idea (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Idea | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | Idea | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 159 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
