2002 Smart ForTwo vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 300 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart ForTwo | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Polo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.7 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
