2011 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2011 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 2011 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 (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 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 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1000 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2695 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1542 mm | 1453 mm |
