2001 Smart ForFour vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 295 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2001 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2001 Smart ForFour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Smart ForFour | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
Model | ForFour | Golf |
Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 94 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 125 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1265 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |