2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 280 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Polo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 3.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
