2003 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2011 Smart ForTwo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 850 kg more than 2011 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 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 520 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.5 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 33 L |
