2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 560 kg more than 2001 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, 2009 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo. 2009 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2001 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2001 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Smart | BMW |
| Model | ForTwo | 318 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 3.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 63 L |
