2002 Smart ForFour vs. 1975 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Smart ForFour is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForFour weights approximately 111 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1975 Volkswagen Golf (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart ForFour | 1975 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.4 seconds | 14 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
