2004 Smart ForFour vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 331 kg more than 2004 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Smart ForFour | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1123 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.4 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 62 L |
