Smart Fortwo

Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 23, 2008 6:04 am)

Replies to this message:
• tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 6:19 am)
  • scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 6:27 am)
    • tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:08 am)

Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 5:25 am)

I have seen them in the snow, so I don't think they are completely undriveable in it, that said they may be among the worst cars available in the snow, but I am sure that as with any car once you learn its limitations you can drive it safely (if not swiftly) on the snow. I think I might try to find better snow tires than the ones offered by the dealers as well (I think that may have been part of the problem in the test, but who knows for sure) I am certainly not saying the test is invalid in anyway.
 
I think the comment made does sum it all up. The problem is lack of weight and there is a limit to what snow tires can do. Imagine driving a motorcycle in the snow. Yes it can be done with super studded tires or spikes but not what you'd want for your daily commute. The Smart would need really good studded tires for starters and how well it would be, i can't say but if the Canadians don't think much of it in the snow (and they have the diesel version) then how good can it really be?
I thought their test was very fairly done.
If you do get one and drive it in the snow I would be very interested to see how you make out with it.

Replies to this message:
• scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 6:27 am)
  • tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:08 am)

Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 6:19 am)

Replies to this message:
• tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:08 am)

Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 6:27 am)

Well I am a Canadian, and as I said I have heard different opinions than this one, found another link from a real world test in Ottawa conditions, so as I said opinions seem to vary, I think I would just need to see for myself.
 
Good link, They did in fact mention the 2006 Traction test that I linked to and I believe it's the same one.
I was unaware that it failed the Moose test, so much for autocross.
Also they didn't spend much time discussing how good it was in the snow, not considering the articles title.
I figure it this way, if it was good in the snow they'd be very happy to discuss it at length and not just a few lines. Overall they panned the car and while it might actually be a good little car. I think until owners are posting about their own experiences in the snow there isn't any way to be certain if it's good or not.
I hope if you get one it's good in the snow.

Replies to this message:
• scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 11:34 am)
  • tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:41 am)
    • scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 12:34 pm) and 15 more...
• snakeweasel (Mar 24, 2008 4:25 pm)

Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:17 am)

Well to be fair to the smart it doesn't look like the one in the first video had snows on, and I know my current mazda 3 would not be much better in that ind of snow with it's all seasons on (from experience this year). But it does look like deep snow wouldn't be great for the smart (and I would not be surprised by that either). Thankfully the major roads are kept much cleaner than this so it would noly be a problem getting down the side street to my house (which doesn't normally get plowed unitl at least a day after the storm (if alt all). But of course someone with an SUV almost aways puts ruts into the piles of snow. In any case thanks for the well wishes about the smart if I get one (if I do it will be a used diesel model instead of the new gas model, I like many don't see enough advantage in fuel milage with the gas model). I will also probably keep either my mazda or the old ford ranger pick-up I have for days when I know there is going to be a storm anyway (provided I can afford to keep the Mazda too it will be that choice for the extra seating and utility for when I need them too) so hopefully I won't need to worry about the snow capabilities too much.
I hope all the curent owners will be happy with them in the snow (though I hope they don't need to find out this year, we've had enough already ).
Scott

Replies to this message:
• tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:41 am)
  • scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 12:34 pm)
    • tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 9:44 pm) and 14 more...

Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 11:34 am)

Well to be fair to the smart it doesn't look like the one in the first video had snows on, and I know my current mazda 3 would not be much better in that kind of snow with it's all seasons on (from experience this year).
 
Hey Youtube had only so many videos of Smarts in the snow. It's just for fun anyway. If someone would decide on buying a car based on stuff like that alone they're crazy.
Also my Civic has gone up hills like the first video with no snows but it wasn't fun or quick. With snows, no drama.
You are so lucky to be able to buy a diesel version, not here in the US tho.
I think as a good weather car it would be ok. Nasty weather is a problem for most cars.

Replies to this message:
• scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 12:34 pm)
  • tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 9:44 pm)
    • scwmcan (Mar 25, 2008 3:41 am) and 12 more...
    • gregg_vw (Mar 25, 2008 4:52 am)

Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:41 am)

Replies to this message:
• tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 9:44 pm)
  • scwmcan (Mar 25, 2008 3:41 am)
    • tiff_c (Mar 25, 2008 7:24 am) and 11 more...
  • gregg_vw (Mar 25, 2008 4:52 am)

Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:17 am)

Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 12:34 pm)

I know I am lucky to be able to choose a diesel (even if it is used and not new, no new diesels up here either).
I still think that smart should have sped up the introduction of other power plants for the US, so they would be available at launch, I am afraid that people will buy them because they think they are great on gas, and after they find out they aren't as efficient as they look like they should be will give up on the cars altogether,
 
I think the car will be a hit just like the Plymouth Prowler was.
Once everyone has a cut and cheap convertible that wants one sales will plummet.
Now if you really want to see something cool, that gets 100mpg and makes more sense than a Smart this is it!
http://www.flytheroad.com/
They have some cool videos on there and to be honest if this thing is available this summer i will most likely buy one. The Smart is like $16K and gets mediocre economy the Venture gets 100mpg and is just as practical and looks way more fun!
Plus 0-60mph is 7 seconds. hard to beat that.
I hope the smart succeeds, but I think it will need some changes/updates to the tranny and maybe the diesel option.

Replies to this message:
• scwmcan (Mar 25, 2008 3:41 am)
  • tiff_c (Mar 25, 2008 7:24 am)
    • scwmcan (Mar 25, 2008 7:35 am) and 3 more...
    • snakeweasel (Mar 25, 2008 1:35 pm) and 6 more...
• gregg_vw (Mar 25, 2008 4:52 am)