2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2001 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 342 kg more than 2001 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| 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 | 158 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 35 L |
