2001 Smart ForFour vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 360 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForFour | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
