2003 Smart Roadster vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Because 2003 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 2003 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart Roadster | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 11.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
