2001 Smart ForFour vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForFour weights approximately 70 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForFour | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
