2006 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 565 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (101 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
Model | ForTwo | Beetle |
Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 799 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 101 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |