1998 BMW 323 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 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 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 323 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 323 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 67 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 35 L |
