2010 Smart ForTwo vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 875 kg more than 2010 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2010 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2010 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Smart ForTwo | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Smart | BMW |
| Model | ForTwo | 520 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1000 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2695 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1542 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1867 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 5.7 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.1 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 70 L |
