2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 65 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2001 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 2001 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2001 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
