2000 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 584 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 19.8 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 816 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 3.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
