2000 Smart ForTwo vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 120 kg more than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
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, 1981 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, 2000 Smart ForTwo (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Smart ForTwo | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 940 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 |
