2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 314 kg more than 2006 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Smart |
| Model | Golf | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 75.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
