2005 Smart ForFour vs. 1996 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Parati. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Parati would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Parati is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Parati. (91 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Parati. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Parati weights approximately 5 kg more than 2005 Smart ForFour.
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, 1996 Volkswagen Parati (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Parati will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart ForFour | 1996 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Parati |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
