1989 BMW 518 vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 518 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster. 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, 1989 BMW 518 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
1989 BMW 518 | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
Make | BMW | Smart |
Model | 518 | Roadster |
Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 698 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 67 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 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 | 1160 kg | 885 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2370 mm |