btw.. the official name is "smart" not "SMART"... or "Smart"... just thought I'd let you guys know.
as randy said... better crash ratings than the E36... even better crash ratings than the E-Class. The frame is designed to transfer the impact to the top / rear of the vehicle... instead of crushing the front.
Head on collission with an E-Class:
and the winner is?
smart!
want to change the color?.. buy different colored body panels and snap them on! It's like LEGO. Take a good look and you'll see why the crash ratings are so good... you're basically driving inside an very thick roll cage!
smart car's have some pretty cool and handy little options. For example... if you're too lazy to shift... the car will automatically shift-up when you hit redline. It will also automatically down-shift if you are going too slow for the current gear you're in. Not to mention anyone can drive manual... since it has an automatic clutch.
Benz moved a few of their handy features over to the smart car as well... such as the 1-touch turn signal. Give it a light touch and your signal will blink 3 times before turning off. (instead of having to hold it there.. or having to put it back to the 'off' position).. doesn't sound like a lot, but if you had it on your car... it'd be a nuisance when you have to go back to the old way. The car is very very slow to get up to highway speeds... (what is it?.. 17 seconds or so from 0-60MPH). However it has enough spunk for city driving without feeling left behind. While gas savings with a smart car seem really good... if you really look into the numbers, you can get a VW Jetta/Bora diesel and save the same amount on gas, and have a much more functional vehicle... but you'll also be paying more for it. But also remember that the gas tank on the smart car is so small you'll still be filling up every week with daily driving... you'll just be paying a lot less each time.
In all?... It really is a smart car to own and drive. Is it silly looking?... Yes, very. But I think it's just because it's new---I'm sure they're used to it in Europe already. Go check out Maranello Ferrari down on Steeles.. not too far from the weekly meets. There's one outside on the front lawn. The thing is TINY. I feel it looks kinda like a clown car. Interestingly enough... the smart car still gets more attention at car shows than ferrari's and lamborghini's... people just love to see and talk about this little thing.
Congrats Randy!
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