1988 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo is newer by 16 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 645 kg more than 2004 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 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 525 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 33 L |
