2005 Smart ForTwo vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart ForTwo | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 55 L |
