2008 BMW 320 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 7 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), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 505 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 2008 BMW 320 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 2008 BMW 320. 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour. 2001 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 320 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
