2005 Smart Roadster vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 402 kg more 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart Roadster | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| 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 | 81 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 14.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 888 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
