2005 Smart ForTwo vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 405 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Smart ForTwo | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
Model | ForTwo | Passat |
Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 797 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 100 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1620 mm |