2008 BMW 523 vs. 2000 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 674 kg more than 2000 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2000 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 523 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 19.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 816 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 22 L |
