1996 BMW 525 vs. 2000 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2000 Smart Roadster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2000 Smart Roadster. (101 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2000 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, 1996 BMW 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2000 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 525 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2370 mm |
