1996 BMW 535 vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2001 Smart Roadster is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2001 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 797 kg more than 2001 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 535 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2370 mm |
