2008 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 755 kg more than 2001 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | M3 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 22 L |
