2006 Smart ForFour vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 135 kg more than 2006 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, both vehicles can yield 125 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForFour | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
