The Smiler vs The Swarm
card comparison
| Stat | The Smiler | The Swarm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 98 ft | 127 ft | |
| Speed | 53 mph | 59 mph | |
| Inversions | 14 | 4 | |
| Throughputest. | 1050 rph | 1600 rph | |
| Build Costest. | 28.1 $m | 31.8 $m | |
| Vintage | 2013 | 2012 |
Vintage is the reversed stat — the older ride wins. Every number here is the same one printed on the card; see /methodology for how Build Cost and Throughput are sourced.
The verdict
The Swarm takes it 5–1, and the 1 The Smiler does win is the whole of its case.
The Smiler is a steel Infinity Coaster coaster at Alton Towers, GB, built by Gerstlauer. The Swarm is a steel Wing Coaster coaster at Thorpe Park, GB, built by Bolliger & Mabillard.
Both are in GB, which puts them in the same conversation for anyone planning a trip there.
Both are steel-track, so nothing here is the usual steel-versus-wood argument in disguise.
They are near-contemporaries — 2012 and 2013 — so they were competing for the same riders when they opened.
Stat by stat
- Height goes to The Swarm at 127 ft against 98 ft — well clear.
- Speed goes to The Swarm at 59 mph against 53 mph — clearly ahead.
- The Smiler takes Inversions 14 to 4.
- Throughput goes to The Swarm at 1,600 rph against 1,050 rph — a long way clear.
- Build Cost goes to The Swarm at 31.8 $m against 28.1 $m — clearly ahead.
- The Swarm (2012) beats The Smiler (2013) to Vintage by a single season.