2006 Smart Roadster vs. 1983 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 993 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Toyota Starlet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart Roadster weights approximately 115 kg more than 1983 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1983 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1983 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart Roadster | 1983 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Smart | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 40 L |
