1998 BMW 325 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 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 325 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 521 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 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 325 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 865 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 Tank Capacity | 52 L | 35 L |
