2007 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 315 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour. 2001 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volkswagen Golf | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Smart |
| Model | Golf | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
