2004 Smart ForFour vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 55 kg more than 2004 Smart ForFour.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Smart ForFour | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Polo |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1123 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
