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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForFour. (108 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 130 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. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2004 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2004 Smart ForFour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1499 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2512 mm |
