2004 Smart ForTwo vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 260 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Smart ForTwo 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 2004 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Smart ForTwo | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2560 mm |
