2003 MCC Smart vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 MCC Smart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 MCC Smart would be higher. At 1,966 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2003 MCC Smart. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 460 kg more than 2003 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 MCC Smart 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 2003 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 MCC Smart. (112 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 MCC Smart | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | MCC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Smart | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3440 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2590 mm |
