2008 Smart Roadster vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Smart Roadster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine.
Because 2008 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 2008 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Smart Roadster. 2008 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Smart Roadster | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Polo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 129 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 45 L |
