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smart #1 vs VW ID.3 comparison

Compare performance (368 HP vs 231 HP), boot space and price (40,700 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – smart #1 or VW ID.3?

smart #1 vs VW ID.3: Key differences

smart #1

  • noticeably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
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  • visibly cheaper
  • markedly more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • only slightly lighter
  • a bit more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

#1

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW ID.3 is visibly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the smart #1 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,567 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the VW ID.3 is markedly more efficient: consuming 13.9 kWh/100km compared to 18.2 kWh/100km for the smart #1. That’s a difference of about 4.3 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the VW ID.3 offers visibly more range – reaching up to 629 km, about 229 km more than the smart #1.

ID.3

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #1 offers noticeably more power – delivering 368 HP compared to 231 HP. That’s roughly 137 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the VW ID.3 takes 7.1 s. That’s about 2.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #1 delivers noticeably more torque with 470 Nm compared to 350 Nm. That’s about 120 Nm more.

#1

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 terms of curb weight, VW ID.3 is only slightly lighter – 1,885 kg compared to 1,900 kg. The difference is around 15 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW ID.3 offers a bit more boot space – 383 L compared to 313 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW ID.3 carries marginally more – 464 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 39 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #1 is barely ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

£40,705
#1

smart #1

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 368 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 18.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 400 km
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

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Reviews smart #1

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW ID.3

The VW ID.3 is Volkswagen’s compact electric hatch that prioritizes practical daily usability with a comfortable, modern interior. It delivers a smooth, quiet driving experience and intuitive tech that makes switching to electric straightforward.

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Reviews VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
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Pennings
6 May 2026, 08:03:27

ID.3 catches less wind. It's more pleasant, especially on the highway. Also: more economical, lighter and with the same step‑in height.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Mr C Blagdon
14 Jan 2026, 12:07:54

Great all rounder, surprisingly spacious cabin. Rapid and refined. Not quiet enough space in the boot for a bike, could use more ground clearance.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Choosing between the VW ID.3 and VW ID.4 is really a question of priorities: the ID.3 trims the fat and fizzes through city streets with hatchback agility, while the ID.4 stretches out for SUV practicality and relaxed long-distance cruising. Pick the ID.3 if you crave compact punch and parking …
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Comparing the BYD Dolphin and the Volkswagen ID.3 gives a clear picture of two distinct approaches to compact electric hatchbacks: the Dolphin emphasizes value, efficiency and clever packaging, while the ID.3 leans on refinement, driving dynamics and European build quality. If you prioritise range, …
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If you want a cheeky, petrol-powered crossover with nimble handling and clever storage, the Ford Puma punches above its class; if you prefer silent, techy electric motoring with a roomy, refined cabin, the VW ID.3 is the smarter, greener choice. Choose the Puma for personality and everyday …
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Pitted against each other, the Kia EV3 feels like the roomy, no-nonsense upstart — taller, more practical and geared toward families who want SUV style without the fuel bill — while the VW ID.3 is the sharper, more polished hatch that rewards drivers who prefer nimble handling and mature software. …
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The VW ID.3 and VW ID.Polo compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Volvo EX30
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The Volvo EX30 arrives as a compact, sharply tuned EV with Scandinavian flair — sprightly, surprisingly premium and built to put a grin on urban commutes. The VW ID.3, by contrast, plays the sensible family card with more interior space, comfort and range options, so pick the EX30 for driving fun …
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smart #1
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption
Price
40,700 £
Price
29,100 - 40,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
18.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
410 - 629 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,900 kg
Curb weight
1,885 - 1,966 kg
Trunk capacity
313 L
Trunk capacity
383 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,822 mm
Width
1,809 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
425 kg
Payload
422 - 464 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
368 HP
Power HP
170 - 231 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
470 Nm
Torque
350 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
271 kW
Power kW
125 - 170 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
smart
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the smart #1?

The smart #1 is available as All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.