2006 Smart Roadster vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Carina (82 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 355 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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, 1996 Toyota Carina (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Carina 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 | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Smart | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | Carina |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
