1998 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2011 Smart ForTwo is newer by 13 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 46 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 555 kg more than 2011 Smart ForTwo. 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 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2011 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2011 Smart ForTwo 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 | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 318 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 33 L |
