1988 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 21 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 85 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (83 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (121 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 525 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 33 L |
