2000 Smart ForTwo vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 255 kg more than 2000 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Smart ForTwo | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2560 mm |
