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Smart Fortwo

491 messages,  Last post on Oct 07, 2009 at 6:46 AM

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What is this discussion about? smart formore, smart fortwo, Hatchback


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#150 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [tiff_c] by snakeweasel
Mar 24, 2008 (4:25 pm)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:17 am)

To be fair I have seen many a car (some I was driving myself) stuck in those conditions.
#151 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [scwmcan] by tiff_c
Mar 24, 2008 (9:44 pm)
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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.
#152 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [tiff_c] by scwmcan
Mar 25, 2008 (3:41 am)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 9:44 pm)

That is an interesting concecpt, lets see if they actually get into production, and if the safety and handling are really there (and the cost is as low as sugested) also I would want to see if they managed to stay in business for more than two years before I even considered one. I'd also have to see some crash tests that are performed to car standards (I have a feeling this will be marketed and registered as a motorcycle somehow, so it doesn't have to meet crash protection standards for cars, not that it might not be safe, I'd just want to see actual cras test data first).
As for the smart I agree with the current gas engine that it could be like the prowler, that is why I said they should have had a different power package available at launch, they apparently have prototypes of hybrid, and all electric version as well as the diesel, at least one of these should hav been offered at launch in addition to the gas engine, I think it would have made a better long term bussiness case that way.
Scott
#153 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [tiff_c] by gregg_vw
Mar 25, 2008 (4:52 am)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 9:44 pm)

This is kind of apples and oranges again. The smart is here (though you can't get one nnow unless you were on the order list...sold out for the year). The Venture is an interesting concept that I hope makes it, but there are a lot of if's to be worked out with something not yet for sale.
 
The Venture will also be more expensive and therefore competing with other hybrids that may not get as good mileage, but do offer other amenities it doesn't (like room). The other big factor for some people will be that the Venture is something like three feet longer than the smart (negating some of the park anywhere factor), but offers no more passenger carrying capacity. Plus that passenger has to ride in the back. But it is another choice and choice is good.
#154 of 491
Saw my first... by robr2
Mar 25, 2008 (7:22 am)
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...Smart on the road in the Boston area. It was covered with vinyl graphics for a local HVAC supplier. Big guy was driving it and was easily keeping up with 70 mph traffic.
#155 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [scwmcan] by tiff_c
Mar 25, 2008 (7:24 am)
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Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 25, 2008 3:41 am)

I'd also have to see some crash tests that are performed to car standards (I have a feeling this will be marketed and registered as a motorcycle somehow, so it doesn't have to meet crash protection standards for cars, not that it might not be safe, I'd just want to see actual crash test data first).
 
The website clearly states it will be legally a motorcycle, but I do see it as a more viable option to things like the Smart, just as the Smart is a viable option (to some) to the Yaris.
But no getting soaked on that Venture so that's good and out of the elements with the benefits of a car and a motorcycle are pretty cool.
I do agree it has to be put into production but they did get the Can-Am spyder into production and that's a 3 wheeler. it's massively sold out everywhere tho.
If they get that hybrid on the market they will sell a ton of them if they actually do get 100+mpg.
Smart is selling cars here like hotcakes right off the griddle. How long that will last is hard to say. The diesel is a factor but less now since diesel fuel is currently more than $1 per gallon higher than regular gas.
I want to like the Smart, i will know after driving one.
#156 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [tiff_c] by scwmcan
Mar 25, 2008 (7:35 am)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 25, 2008 7:24 am)

Sorry, didn't see that part of the website, and even if iw will legally be a motor cycle, I would like to see the company crash test a few to see how well they protect the occupants (since they are saying it will have all the safety features of a car). I agree it is an alternative to the smart, lets just see how it does first (and hopefully it will make production and it will be tested by at least a few publications (motorcyle and automotive hopefully).
As for the diesel smart yes the price of diesel currently blunts some of its appeal, but it still get almost twice the milage of the gas version (though admittedly the performance level is not the same, but seems to be acceptable). so it still pays off for now. Also up here the difference isn't as great as it seems to be in some states, and I expect it to drop to on at least par with regular in a month or so once the heating season ends (it usually does).
Hoope you get to test drive a smart soon so you can share your experience (positive or negative).
Scott
#157 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [scwmcan] by tiff_c
Mar 25, 2008 (8:09 am)
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Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 25, 2008 7:35 am)

I would like to see the company crash test a few to see how well they protect the occupants (since they are saying it will have all the safety features of a car). I agree it is an alternative to the smart, lets just see how it does first (and hopefully it will make production and it will be tested by at least a few publications (motorcycle and automotive hopefully).
 
I'd be willing to wager a sizeable sum that if the Venture actually makes it to production that it will be reviewed by every publication out there, considering it gets 100mpg AND is a hybrid. Google it and a lot comes up considering it's not available yet and I expect that when it is any flaws will be shown up by journalists driving the snot out of it as they are wont to do.
Safety is an issue but I think it should be at least as safe as a modern motorcycle.
 
I will test drive the smart probably next week. the problem is the nearest dealer is now sold out.
So we shall see.
I would really like a diesel in something like the Smart. OR one that has a Hayabusa engine in it like on YouTube
My gosh that has to be the fastest smart on the planet!
#158 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [tiff_c] by robr2
Mar 25, 2008 (8:41 am)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 25, 2008 8:09 am)

...but I think it should be at least as safe as a modern motorcycle.
 
Kind of an oxymoron don't you think>>
 
 
#159 of 491
Re: Smart cars in the snow [robr2] by tiff_c
Mar 25, 2008 (10:04 am)
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Replying to: robr2 (Mar 25, 2008 8:41 am)

...but I think it should be at least as safe as a modern motorcycle.
  
Kind of an oxymoron don't you think>>
 
 
You've got me there!

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