2008 Renault Grand Espace vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2008 Renault Grand Espace is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Renault Grand Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Renault Grand Espace (161 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Renault Grand Espace should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 930 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Renault Grand Espace, 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, 2008 Renault Grand Espace (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Renault Grand Espace | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | Grand Espace | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
