2002 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,422 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 404 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Smart |
| Model | New Beetle | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1422 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 33 L |
