1999 MCC Smart vs. 1988 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1999 MCC Smart is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,043 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Polo (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1999 MCC Smart. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1999 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 50 kg more than 1999 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 MCC Smart 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 1999 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1999 MCC Smart (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 MCC Smart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. 1999 MCC Smart has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 MCC Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 MCC Smart | 1988 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | MCC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Smart | Polo |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1810 mm | 2340 mm |
