2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 900 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, 1997 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Sharan (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 1997 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 70 L |
