2006 Smart ForTwo vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,043 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2006 Smart ForTwo (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForTwo | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Polo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2410 mm |
