2002 Smart ForFour vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 385 kg more than 2002 Smart ForFour. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2002 Smart ForFour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart ForFour | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
