2004 Smart ForFour vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 430 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| 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 | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 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 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.4 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
