1998 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,893 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 318 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
