2006 Smart Roadster vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 325 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Because 2006 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 2006 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart Roadster | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 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 | 965 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 | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
