2008 Smart Roadster vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2008 Smart Roadster is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,256 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine.
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, 2008 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 2008 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Smart Roadster | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Smart | Vauxhall |
| Model | Roadster | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 56 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 45 L |
