2006 Smart ForFour vs. 2005 Smart Roadster
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 1,123 cc (3 cylinders), 2006 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour.
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 (136 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 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:
| 2006 Smart ForFour | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Smart | Smart |
| Model | ForFour | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| 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 | 75 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| 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 | 22 L | 35 L |
