1996 BMW 725 vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 725 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 810 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 725 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 725. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 725 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2510 mm |
