2002 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 499 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 19.8 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 3.4 L/100km | 3.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
