2006 Smart Roadster vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 320 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
