2008 Smart Roadster vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2008 Smart Roadster is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,124 cc (3 cylinders), 2005 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine.
Because 2008 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 2008 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour, 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 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForFour. 2008 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 2005 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2005 Smart ForFour 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 | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Smart | Smart |
| Model | Roadster | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 13.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 47 L |
