1990 BMW 316 vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 16 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, both vehicles can yield 100 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster.
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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 316 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| 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 | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 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 | 970 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 35 L |
