2003 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 730 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 520 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 47 L |
