2005 Smart Roadster vs. 2011 BMW 323
To start off, 2011 BMW 323 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster.
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, 2011 BMW 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart Roadster | 2011 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Smart | BMW |
| Model | Roadster | 323 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 60 L |
