2006 Smart Roadster vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
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 Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 147 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 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, both vehicles can yield 130 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 Roadster | 2005 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Polo |
| 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 | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 173 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 12.1 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 | 1112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 45 L |
