2006 Smart ForFour vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW Z4 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 2012 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForFour | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Smart | BMW |
| Model | ForFour | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1467 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
