1996 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Smart ForTwo (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 215 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 2010 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (124 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Volkswagen Polo | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
Make | Volkswagen | Smart |
Model | Polo | ForTwo |
Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 63 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 92 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 2695 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1542 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1867 mm |