1988 BMW 525 vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2002 Smart ForFour is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 609 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 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 525 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
