1989 BMW 850 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 850 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 1989 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 850 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 11.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 47 L |
