1988 BMW 524 vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 524 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 524 should accelerate faster than 2003 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 524 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2370 mm |
