@ smart Europe GmbH
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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smart #1 vs VW Golf – Which one offers the better deal?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether smart #1 or VW Golf fits your lifestyle better.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

#1 @ smart Europe GmbH

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the smart #1 costs 31700 £. That’s a price difference of around 6510 £.

As for range, the smart #1 performs clearly better – achieving up to 440 km, about 297 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #1 has a evident edge – offering 428 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 95 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 3.90 s, while the VW Golf takes 4.60 s. That’s about 0.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs noticeable better – reaching 270 km/h, while the smart #1 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: smart #1 pulls noticeable stronger with 584 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 164 Nm difference.

#1 @ smart Europe GmbH

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is evident lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1780 kg. The difference is around 473 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers slightly more room – 381 L compared to 323 L. That’s a difference of about 58 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs noticeable better – up to 1237 L, which is about 251 L more than the smart #1.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf hardly perceptible takes the win – 508 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.

Who wins the race?

The smart #1 proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
smart #1 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £31,700
#1 @ smart Europe GmbH

smart #1

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 272 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.8 - 18.2 kWh
  • Electric Range : 310 - 440 km
details

smart #1

The smart #1 marks a significant evolution in design philosophy, merging urban practicality with modern aesthetics. Its compact size belies a spacious interior, crafted to offer a comfortable and connected driving experience. With its focus on eco-friendly motoring, the smart #1 is set to charm city dwellers seeking both efficiency and style.

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P018_DSCF1498_EU @ smart Europe GmbH
Limbo_Edition1_EXT_25_White_Gold_front @ smart Europe GmbH
Limbo_Edition1_EXT_09_White_Gold_Powered_Tailgate @ smart Europe GmbH
Limbo_Edition1_EXT_07_White_Gold_Powered_Top @ smart Europe GmbH
Limbo_Edition1_EXT_05_White_Gold_side @ smart Europe GmbH
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P012_DSC_1017_EU_New @ smart Europe GmbH

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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The VW Golf still sets the benchmark in the compact class — a composed, all‑round hatch that rewards drivers with precise steering, efficient engines and sensible practicality for daily life. The VW T‑Roc trades a bit of that pinch‑perfect poise for SUV style, a higher seating position and a …
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Costs and Consumption
Price
31700 - 45000 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
16.8 - 18.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
310 - 440 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
47 - 62 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1780 - 1900 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
313 - 323 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4270 - 4300 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1822 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1636 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
976 - 986 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
425 - 470 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
272 - 428 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
343 - 584 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
200 - 315 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2023 - 2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
smart
Brand
VW

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What drivetrain options does the smart #1 have?

Available configurations include Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.