1996 BMW 325 vs. 2003 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2003 Smart ForTwo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2003 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 325 weights approximately 570 kg more than 2003 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1996 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart ForTwo. (96 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 2003 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 325 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1540 mm |
