2010 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 560 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 2010 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.

Compare all specifications:

2010 Smart ForTwo 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Make Smart Volkswagen
Model ForTwo Jetta
Year Released 2010 2012
Body Type Convertible Sedan
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 1000 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 3 cylinders 5 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 70 HP 170 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 92 Nm 240 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 4250 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 5-speed manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 840 kg 1400 kg
Vehicle Length 2695 mm 4644 mm
Vehicle Width 1560 mm 1778 mm
Vehicle Height 1542 mm 1482 mm
Wheelbase Size 1867 mm 2651 mm
Fuel Consumption 5.7 L/100km 7.1 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 7.1 L/100km 10.2 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 33 L 55 L