2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 416 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 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Smart ForTwo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 3.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 90 L |
