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VW Golf vs smart #5 – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Golf or smart #5?

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

Golf @ Volkswagen

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 clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the smart #5 costs 39300 £. That’s a price difference of around 14147 £.

As for range, the smart #5 performs significantly better – achieving up to 590 km, about 447 km more than the VW Golf.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #5 has a decisively edge – offering 646 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 313 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #5 is evident quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the VW Golf takes 4.60 s. That’s about 0.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs distinct better – reaching 270 km/h, while the smart #5 tops out at 210 km/h. The difference is around 60 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: smart #5 pulls convincingly stronger with 710 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 290 Nm difference.

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 clearly lighter – 1307 kg compared to 2200 kg. The difference is around 893 kg.

In terms of boot space, the smart #5 offers clearly perceptible more room – 630 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 249 L.

In maximum load capacity, the smart #5 performs slightly better – up to 1530 L, which is about 293 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf barely noticeable takes the win – 508 kg compared to 502 kg. That’s a difference of about 6 kg.

Who wins the race?

The smart #5 proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
smart #5 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £39,300

smart #5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 340 - 646 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 18.4 - 19.9 kWh
  • Electric Range : 465 - 590 km
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VW Golf

Der VW Golf überzeugt seit Jahrzehnten durch seine Vielseitigkeit und seine ausgewogene Mischung aus Komfort und Dynamik. Mit seinem zeitlosen Design und der hochwertigen Verarbeitung ist er ein treuer Begleiter im Alltag. Besonders beliebt ist der Golf wegen seiner innovativen Technologie und der großen Auswahl an Varianten, die für jeden Bedarf das passende Modell bietet.

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DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen
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DB2019AU02105_medium @ Volkswagen

smart #5

5 (2)
rate

The Smart #5 continues to build on the brand's legacy of compact and efficient urban vehicles, now infused with a more modern and stylish design. Its sleek appearance is complemented by a spacious interior, offering comfort without compromising its compact nature. This model is ideal for city dwellers seeking a blend of innovation, practicality, and style in their daily drives.

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Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
25200 - 51600 £
Price
39300 - 52200 £
Consumption L/100km
0.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
18.4 - 19.9 kWh
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Electric Range
465 - 590 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
74.4 - 94 kWh
co2
6 - 186 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1307 - 1668 kg
Curb weight
2200 - 2378 kg
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Trunk capacity
630 L
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Length
4695 mm
Width
1789 mm
Width
1920 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Height
1705 mm
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Max trunk capacity
1530 L
Payload
431 - 508 kg
Payload
475 - 502 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Power HP
340 - 646 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 6.9 s
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
200 - 210 km/h
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Torque
373 - 710 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Power kW
250 - 475 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

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

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What drivetrain options does the VW Golf have?

The VW Golf is available as Front-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.