2006 Smart Roadster vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 245 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Smart Roadster. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1988 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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 | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Smart | Suzuki |
| Model | Roadster | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2490 mm |
