1978 BMW M1 vs. 2005 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2005 Smart Roadster is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (101 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster.
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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | M1 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 35 L |
