2002 Smart Roadster vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 355 kg more than 2002 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Smart Roadster 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 Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart Roadster | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
