1997 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Smart ForTwo (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 200 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, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Polo (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Polo | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Smart |
| Model | Polo | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1867 mm |
