1998 BMW 316 vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2006 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, 1998 BMW 316 (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 316 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 35 L |
