2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 19 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 125 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Passat, 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, both vehicles can yield 100 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2560 mm |
