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smart #3 vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (272 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (42,000 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – smart #3 or VW Golf?

smart #3 vs VW Golf: Key differences

smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more electric range
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
details

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

#3

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Golf is clearly cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the smart #3 costs 42,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,710 £.

As for electric range, the smart #3 offers clearly more range – reaching up to 455 km, about 312 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf

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 VW Golf offers somewhat more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 53 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the smart #3 takes 5.8 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers marginally more torque with 420 Nm compared to 384 Nm. That’s about 36 Nm more.

#3

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is clearly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 503 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf offers marginally more boot space – 381 L compared to 370 L. That’s a difference of about 11 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries slightly more – 508 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 58 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #3 holds a slight edge 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.

£41,991
#3

smart #3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 272 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 455 km
details

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smart #3
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

smart #3

The Smart #3 turns the brand's cheeky city-car attitude into a grown-up compact SUV, pairing sleek styling with a surprisingly roomy, well-made interior. It's a brilliant pick for buyers who want electric ease without dullness — practical enough for daily life, but still lively enough to make parking and grocery runs feel a little fun.

details
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smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-exterior-mallorca13
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Reviews smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Ronny
16 Oct 2025, 13:10:59

Handsome design, packed with advanced driver‑assist technology and stellar performance — all at an attractive price. Highly recommended, this car!

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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smart #3
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
42,000 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
455 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
25 - 173 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
1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
370 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,844 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
450 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
272 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
384 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
200 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
smart
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the smart #3 have?

The smart #3 is available as Rear-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.