1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 755 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (101 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2006 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2006 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 520 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 19.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 22 L |
