Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Hatchbacks Smart Car Smart Fortwo
491 messages, Last post on Oct 07, 2009 at 6:46 AM
You are in the Smart Car Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
|
Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 9:44 pm) 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
|
|
|
Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 9:44 pm) 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. |
|
| ...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. | |
|
Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 25, 2008 3:41 am) 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.
|
|
|
Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 25, 2008 7:24 am) 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
|
|
|
Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 25, 2008 7:35 am) 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!
|
|
|
Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 25, 2008 8:09 am) Kind of an oxymoron don't you think>> 
|
|
|
Replying to: robr2 (Mar 25, 2008 8:41 am) Kind of an oxymoron don't you think>>   You've got me there! 
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 25, 2008 7:24 am) That brings up the question, if it is legally a motorcycle will you need a motorcycle license to drive it?
|
|
|
Replying to: snakeweasel (Mar 25, 2008 1:35 pm) All of this talk about the Smart's transmission got me to thinking... How hard would it be to install a fake clutch pedal in the car so that it would be easier to initially drive? Another idea is that the clutch at some point trips a solenoid, right? Why not re-wire this to one under the dash and attach a clutch pedal to that? My old 1967 Mercedes did exactly this. No linkages at all - just a switch at each end and a soleniod. Press the pedal and click - clutch engages. Release, click - disengages.
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Hatchbacks Smart Car Smart Fortwo
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2009 smart fortwo
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
