2005 MCC Smart vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 MCC Smart is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2005 MCC Smart. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 375 kg more than 2005 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 MCC Smart 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 2005 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 MCC Smart. (96 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 MCC Smart. 2002 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2005 MCC Smart has manual transmission. 2005 MCC Smart will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 MCC Smart | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | MCC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Smart | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3440 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2512 mm |
