2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 11 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), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 900 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. 2012 BMW 525 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. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Smart | BMW |
| Model | ForTwo | 525 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.6 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 70 L |
