smart Fortwo vs Volkswagen Beetle
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2019 Volkswagen Beetle
Overview
| Spec | smart Fortwoelectric drive pure | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | electric drive pure | 2.0T S |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | electric | gas |
| Model year | 2018 | 2019 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | smart Fortwoelectric drive pure | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,800 | $20,895 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $5,797 (best) | $29,990 |
| Median listing price | $6,953 (best) | $29,990 |
| Highest listing price | $8,109 (best) | $29,990 |
| For sale now | 2 (best) | 1 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | smart Fortwoelectric drive pure | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 29 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 33 MPG (best) |
| Combined MPGe | 108 MPGe (best) | — |
| Electric range | 58 mi (best) | — |
| Battery capacity | 17 kWh (best) | — |
| 240V charge time | 3 hr (best) | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 14.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | smart Fortwoelectric drive pure | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 174 hp (best) |
| Torque | 118 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | — | 2 L (best) |
| Cylinders | — | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | smart Fortwoelectric drive pure | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 4 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 3 |
| Cargo volume | 7.8 cu ft | 29.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 705 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | — | 3,045 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 73.5 in | 100.1 in (best) |
| Length | 106.1 in | 168.8 in (best) |
| Width | 61.4 in | 71.9 in (best) |
| Height | 60.7 in (best) | 58.6 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | smart Fortwoelectric drive pure | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 3 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | smart Fortwo | Volkswagen Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | electric drive pure $23,800 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.0T S $20,895 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | electric drive passion $25,290 MSRP | 2.0T S $25,995 MSRP |
| 3 | electric drive passion $28,100 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SE $23,045 MSRP |
| 4 | electric drive prime $26,640 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SE $27,295 MSRP |
| 5 | electric drive prime $29,100 MSRP | 2.0T SE $24,395 MSRP |
| 6 | — | 2.0T SE $28,395 MSRP |
| 7 | — | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $25,995 MSRP |
| 8 | — | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $29,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
smart Fortwo2 for sale
See allsmart Fortwo vs Volkswagen Beetle FAQ
- Which is better: 2018 smart Fortwo or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2018 smart Fortwo vs 2019 Volkswagen Beetle on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2018 smart Fortwo or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle starts lower at $20,895. Live smart Fortwo listings start at $5,797. Live Volkswagen Beetle listings start at $29,990.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2018 smart Fortwo or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,895).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2018 smart Fortwo or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (29).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2018 smart Fortwo or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2018 smart Fortwo leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (58).
- Which has better horsepower: 2018 smart Fortwo or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on horsepower in this comparison (174).
- Which has better seats: 2018 smart Fortwo or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on seats in this comparison (4).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2018 smart Fortwo vs 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Beetle (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).


