1975 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,573 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 BMW 316 (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 2012 Smart ForTwo.
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, 2012 Smart ForTwo (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 316. 2012 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 316 | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 316 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
