2007 BMW 523 vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 1 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 112 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (63 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 534 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 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (92 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 523 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 15.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 47 L |
