2001 Smart ForFour vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 380 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.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Smart ForFour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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 Jetta (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
