1990 BMW 316 vs. 2002 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2002 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2002 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 316 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 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 | 1080 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2370 mm |
