2005 Smart Roadster vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Smart Roadster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (101 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Because 2005 Smart Roadster 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 Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2005 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2005 Smart Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart Roadster | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
