1998 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2005 Smart Roadster is newer by 7 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (101 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2005 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2005 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2005 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 318 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| 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 | 9.4 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 35 L |
