2000 Smart Roadster vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2000 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 905 kg more than 2000 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart Roadster. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2000 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2000 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Smart Roadster | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Smart | BMW |
| Model | Roadster | 520 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2968 mm |
