1982 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2002 Smart ForFour is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 BMW 318 (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 BMW 318 weights approximately 54 kg more than 2002 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 BMW 318 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 1982 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1982 BMW 318 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 BMW 318 | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 318 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
