2003 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 585 kg more than 2006 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, 2003 BMW 318 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 318 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 33 L |
