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smart Fortwo vs Volkswagen Beetle

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

smart logo

2018 smart Fortwo

Volkswagen logo

2019 Volkswagen Beetle

Overview

Specsmart Fortwoelectric drive pureVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
Selected trimelectric drive pure2.0T S
Body styleHatchbackHatchback
Drivetrainrear wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeelectricregular unleaded
Transmission1-speed direct drive6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typeelectricgas
Model year20182019

Pricing & market

Specsmart Fortwoelectric drive pureVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
MSRP$23,800$20,895 (best)
For sale now00

Fuel economy & range

Specsmart Fortwoelectric drive pureVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
Combined MPG—29 MPG (best)
City MPG—26 MPG (best)
Highway MPG—33 MPG (best)
Combined MPGe108 MPGe (best)—
Electric range58 mi (best)—
Battery capacity17 kWh (best)—
240V charge time3 hr (best)—
Fuel tank—14.5 gal (best)

Performance

Specsmart Fortwoelectric drive pureVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
Horsepower80 hp174 hp (best)
Torque118 lb-ft184 lb-ft (best)
Engine size—2 L (best)
Cylinders—I4

Size & capability

Specsmart Fortwoelectric drive pureVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
Seating2 seats4 seats (best)
Doors23 (best)
Cargo volume7.8 cu ft29.9 cu ft (best)
Payload—705 lbs (best)
Curb weight—3,045 lbs (best)
Ground clearance—5.7 in (best)
Wheelbase73.5 in100.1 in (best)
Length106.1 in168.8 in (best)
Width61.4 in71.9 in (best)
Height60.7 in (best)58.6 in

Safety & recalls

Specsmart Fortwoelectric drive pureVolkswagen 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.

Trimsmart FortwoVolkswagen 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

smart 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.
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).