opinion: went to check out a smart car...

Justin e36 · 10-24-2004, 11:55 PM

interesting little machines they are. lots of useful features... a lot more than you read in articles too. there were more people checking out the smarts than I've ever seen at a dealership. i didn't actually test drive it... i just went to go find out pricing and sit in it... i pretended to drive---which was cool until I got into a pretend accident.

it's actually much roomier inside than I was expecting.. (and I'm 6'2"). ample leg room and everything... but having no hood and no trunk behind you would take some getting used to.

my opinion? it's not for me. small is good.. but it's too small for me---i just don't feel comfortable in it, regardless of the crash results. if you feel comfortable driving/owning one.. then all the power to you. i'm sure they'll be all over the place soon enough---i can see people enjoying them. but i also don't feel comfortable driving a vw golf or any hatchback really.

sitting in it... i felt like this happy little fellow:

edit: ... i didn't put that picture up to be rude. i'm serious... that's really what it reminded me of.

///m powered · 10-24-2004, 11:59 PM

so what was the official mpg? and top speed.... can it go over 60mph? (100? kmh) ?

Christina · 10-25-2004, 12:00 AM

i want oneeeee lol

Justin e36 · 10-25-2004, 12:04 AM

Facts and figures: smart fortwo coupé technical data at a glance.

Engine/type: 3-cylinder in-line engine at rear with turbocharger and charge-air cooler
Engine capacity (cc): 799
Rated output (hp): 40.2 at 4,200/rpm
Max. torque (lb-ft): 73.8 at 1,800 -2,800/rpm
Bore x stroke (mm): 65.5 x 79.0
Boost pressure control: Mechanical
Maximum charge pressure: 1.15 bar
Compression ratio: 18.5: 1
Fuel delivery: Common-rail direct injection
CO2 emissions (g/km): 90
Maximum speed: 135 km/h [1]
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s): 19.8
Fuel type: Diesel

40HP for a car that light really isn't that bad... remember the original K-car's of the 80's started at 38HP.. (not to say a smart car and a k-car are equal... in terms of quality) those reliant's were much much heavier. no turbocharger... and that was more than enough for city driving. apparently the acceleration from 0-60km/h (city driving) is peppy enough... I wouldn't know, I didn't actually get to drive it.

UncleJ · 10-25-2004, 12:09 AM

If I ever saw you in one of those, I'd laugh 'til I died.

Justin e36 · 10-25-2004, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleJ

If I ever saw you in one of those, I'd laugh 'til I died.

I looked like this... just... browner:

Christina · 10-25-2004, 12:11 AM

that kid looks like hes on some serious dope.

windwagen · 10-25-2004, 12:13 AM

I blew past one on the 407 a few weeks ago. Actually, so did everyone else! Although I'm sure it'll fit some people's lifestyle, it looked out of place going a tick over 100kph on the 407. All it would take is one attentive driver, and the Smart car would be toast. The occupants may survive the first hit, but with all the traffic and crappy drivers in the mix, that poor thing will problaby get bounced around. For me, with 2 kids and a third on the way, the 5 is barely big enough. My wife want's an Odyssey Minivan.

Christina · 10-25-2004, 12:14 AM

care 2 explain ur signature?

windwagen · 10-25-2004, 12:35 AM

I have few pix of my car, and they're all boring, or just look like any other 5. So I had to do something different. The engine is smoking from another hard day of eating rice rockets and American Hamburgers. hee hee

blackshark · 10-25-2004, 12:39 AM

140km top speed

MCK · 10-25-2004, 12:43 AM

Everone seems to be getting these...............we should open a smart forum.......

Alezone · 10-25-2004, 12:54 AM

^^^ this is a BMW forum, not MB forum... lol

Slowered318 · 10-25-2004, 01:10 AM

SMART enough not to drive one

SkycityBMW · 10-25-2004, 12:57 PM

Yeah . . .