2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (66 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 461 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, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (133 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1276 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
