1999 MCC Smart vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1999 MCC Smart is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Polo (44 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1999 MCC Smart. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1999 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 120 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, 1989 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 MCC Smart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. 1999 MCC Smart has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1989 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 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | MCC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Smart | Polo |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 840 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
