You are here: Forums Automotive News & Views What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

8658 messages,  Last post on Nov 29, 2009 at 11:11 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, smart fortwo, MINI Cooper

#8427 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [ateixeira] by thegraduate May 20, 2009 (8:02 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (May 20, 2009 6:14 am)   Yes... both! Replies to this message: andre1969 (May 21, 2009 5:54 am) bumpy (May 21, 2009 7:59 am) ateixeira (May 21, 2009 10:46 am) nippononly (May 21, 2009 8:40 pm) and 3 more... explorerx4 (May 21, 2009 2:51 pm)
#8428 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [thegraduate] by andre1969 May 21, 2009 (5:54 am)
Replying to: thegraduate (May 20, 2009 8:02 pm) From what I've read, the Smart can do 0-60 in around 12-13 seconds, depending on who you want to believe. I found one quarter mile stat of around 19.2 seconds at 70.5 mph. And I think top speed is electronically limited to 90 mph.   So, while it won't knock your socks off, it's still probably more than adequate for most needs. The only thing I'd worry about is highway merging. The 12-13 second 0-60 time doesn't scare me so much, but the quarter mile time does, and implies to me that the car is starting to get pushed to its limit after 60. For comparison, Consumer Reports tested a 1968 Dodge Dart with a 225 slant six (I remember this only because I used to own a similar 1969, so I know how it performed) and while it took them 14 seconds to get from 0-60, the quarter mile came in at 19 seconds at 72 mph. So, to get from 60 to 72 mph, it only took that car 5 seconds, while it's taking the Smart more like 6-7 seconds to get from 60 to 70.5 mph.   And FWIW, that Dart seemed perfectly capable at the time, although I'm sure if I had it to drive today, it wouldn't be nearly as good as I remember!   I also wonder then, how the Smart would do in highway passing? Such as, if you're cruising along at 65-70 and want to pass, but traffic in the passing lane is rolling past at a much faster clip. Would the Smart have the guts to pass safely? Replies to this message: bumpy (May 21, 2009 7:59 am) ateixeira (May 21, 2009 10:46 am) nippononly (May 21, 2009 8:40 pm) thegraduate (May 21, 2009 8:45 pm) and 2 more...
#8429 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [andre1969] by bumpy May 21, 2009 (7:59 am)
Replying to: andre1969 (May 21, 2009 5:54 am) It's not that big of a deal. Just plan out your spot, drop down a gear or two, then drop the hammer on it. If that's not enough for you, there is the turbo kit.
#8430 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [andre1969] by ateixeira May 21, 2009 (10:46 am)
Replying to: andre1969 (May 21, 2009 5:54 am) Should be fine for a city car, where 0-40 is all that matters, just to get out of people's way.   Where it would feel slow would be passing on the highway, 50-70 maybe, though hopefully the owner isn't driving often on those kinds of roads. Replies to this message: nippononly (May 21, 2009 8:40 pm) thegraduate (May 21, 2009 8:45 pm) ateixeira (May 22, 2009 5:56 am) igozoomzoom (May 22, 2009 1:29 pm)
#8431 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [thegraduate] by explorerx4 May 21, 2009 (2:51 pm)
Replying to: thegraduate (May 20, 2009 8:02 pm) i work across the river, about a mile as the crow flies, from a 'smart' dealer. maybe i have seen 4 or 5, ever. last weekend i saw one for sale up in litchfield. it was sitting in the yard with grass growing around it, like many other cars that have been waiting for a buyer for a while.
#8432 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [ateixeira] by nippononly May 21, 2009 (8:40 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (May 21, 2009 10:46 am) Headed to LA with some friends last weekend in their Sienna, there we were, cruising along around 75 mph, got passed by a Smart car! And it was way out in the middle of nowhere too, it was clearly someone making the trek from SF to LA like us. Replies to this message: thegraduate (May 21, 2009 8:45 pm) ateixeira (May 22, 2009 5:56 am) igozoomzoom (May 22, 2009 1:29 pm)
#8433 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [nippononly] by thegraduate May 21, 2009 (8:45 pm)
Replying to: nippononly (May 21, 2009 8:40 pm) The only time I ever see Smarts on the road are on I-65, typically traveling 65+ mph. When my 130hp '96 Accord is working hard climbing Shades Mountain in Birmingham, AL, I wonder how the little Smart is making it. Replies to this message: ateixeira (May 22, 2009 5:56 am) igozoomzoom (May 22, 2009 1:29 pm)
#8434 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [thegraduate] by ateixeira May 22, 2009 (5:56 am)
Replying to: thegraduate (May 21, 2009 8:45 pm) I saw one today on my way in. I was in my Miata, top down, enjoying the drive.   I can't help but think - why would you get a Smart when leftover 08 Miatas have a $5000 incentive tied to them right now? I doubt I paid significantly more than that Smart owner did.
#8435 of 8658 Re: Is slow the new black? [thegraduate] by igozoomzoom May 22, 2009 (1:29 pm)
Replying to: thegraduate (May 21, 2009 8:45 pm) I live about an hour north of Atlanta in a small college town. There are a few kids at the college who drive a Smart and I hate getting stuck behind them. It's very hilly in this area and they drop down to 40-45 going up one of the bigger hills, despite the 55mph limit. It's happened twice so far! Thankfully, there's a spot to make a quick pass just before and after that hill...and I can get around them without even taking my Mazda3 out of 5th gear.   The Smart makes a great city car- tiny, easy to park in tight spaces, adequate power for in-town driving. But if you routinely drive on highways/interstates or any long distances, the Nissan Versa would be cheaper to buy, a lot faster and more comfortable and gets 34mpg highway.

You are here: Forums Automotive News & Views What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?