I bumped into a modified Smart Car today, it had powdercoated wheels, a ground effects kit (lip, skirts, rear valance), and a loud center exit exhaust - this was a "passion" model, also badged as a Mercedes.
Modified Smart Car
- Thread starter scorp965
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Having driven a few of these so-called "smart" cars, my only comment is this;
Lipstick on a pig :wink:
Brian
Lipstick on a pig :wink:
Brian
Here in Dubai there are a few Brabus tuned Smarts running around. Not too sure how quick they are but you see them with different wheels, exhaust, etc.
I once rented the Smart car when it first came out...took it down some bike paths for kicks. :biggrin:
I once rented the Smart car when it first came out...took it down some bike paths for kicks. :biggrin:
I guess I don't understand the smart car, as it doesn't seem so "smart" to me. Yet.
The Passion Coupe starts at around what, $14K? It has an engine that strains to get moving, one of the worst transmissions tested, rides crappy, and only gets 33city/41 highway mpg on premium fuel. I think even Consumer Reports rated it dead last in its category of budget cars. I got to check one out and was not impressed in the least. I didn't have the heart to tell the owner what I thought of the car.
I don't understand why you'd pay the money for this thing when you can buy a Honda Fit for a grand more, have better fit and finish, cargo room, decent power, and still get respectable mileage of 28 city/35 highway even with the automatic. And, you're buying Honda reliability and resale value.
Right now, I see the smart car as a kitsch car. People buy them to make it look like they're environmentally conscious, and it comes off as being faddish. I mean, the concept has merit and I think this country is ready for an economical vehicle, but in my opinion the smart is simply not refined enough to justify the price. If it was around $6000, then perhaps I wouldn't be so harsh.
The Passion Coupe starts at around what, $14K? It has an engine that strains to get moving, one of the worst transmissions tested, rides crappy, and only gets 33city/41 highway mpg on premium fuel. I think even Consumer Reports rated it dead last in its category of budget cars. I got to check one out and was not impressed in the least. I didn't have the heart to tell the owner what I thought of the car.
I don't understand why you'd pay the money for this thing when you can buy a Honda Fit for a grand more, have better fit and finish, cargo room, decent power, and still get respectable mileage of 28 city/35 highway even with the automatic. And, you're buying Honda reliability and resale value.
Right now, I see the smart car as a kitsch car. People buy them to make it look like they're environmentally conscious, and it comes off as being faddish. I mean, the concept has merit and I think this country is ready for an economical vehicle, but in my opinion the smart is simply not refined enough to justify the price. If it was around $6000, then perhaps I wouldn't be so harsh.
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It only makes sense in the cities of Europe, where the parking spaces are tiny, the streets are narrow, and you never need to do things like haul lumber. And even there, it's something of a fashion statement.
Nick
Nick
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Aw, don’t be hatin’, now. It’s no NSX to be sure, and the Fit is probably a better practical choice. But after having driven one, I can tell you that if you know and understand its shortcomings, it makes up for them in other ways, not the least of which is it gets more eyeball than an R8 – feminine eyeball. You can squeeze into spots previously accessible only to motorcycles. You can skip parallel parking and perpendicular park instead. Plus, it is its own kind of fun.
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They're becoming popular in San Francisco, for much the same reasons.
Having driven many times in San Francisco, I do get the parking aspect.
The not so smart car:biggrin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDU5BU_qSJU&feature=related
1300 GSX-R powered :biggrin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PM0O0dOCXs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDU5BU_qSJU&feature=related
1300 GSX-R powered :biggrin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PM0O0dOCXs
I saw one in a parking lot the other day. It was parked one slot over from the NSX. Looked funny looking at the two. The guy told me there was a 12 month waiting list to purchase one.
LOL, me and the wife saw a transport rig with about 12 on it Sat. going towards Houston. The rigs usually hold about 6 full size cars. I was pretty neat looking.
I see them get on the 60 freeway during rush hour. Pretty depressing when the smart car overtakes you when your stuck in traffic.
I saw one in a parking lot the other day. It was parked one slot over from the NSX. Looked funny looking at the two. The guy told me there was a 12 month waiting list to purchase one.
A local nsx owner has had a deposit on one for about that long, if you're looking to pay sticker, you have to wait. If money is no object, you can get in one today (a few $k over sticker).
and you can call anytime, the White Cab is due in 11/11 :biggrin: Thanks John
I've had my Passion Coupe since March and really love the car for what it is. Plus I put an Ad Warp on it for my business so I write it off as advertising. Yes, it's true that there are many other "better" choices such as the Honda Fit but the car is a lot of fun and grabs A LOT of attention.
Not smart or safe! Good-luck surviving a motor vehicle accident with every other car on the road being a truck or SUV. That thing is a coffin on wheels!
Smart Car arrived, due to meet tomorrow!!
LoL, I think the same thing about the fit, cooper, civic hatch, metro, swift and yaris hatch. But I'd happily drive the smart over the cooper over the fit any day of the week. Buying a smart makes as much sense as buying a nsx.
I'll keep you updated, thanks
Your absolutely right! That's why my kids are NOT allowed to drive with me in the NSX either. Instead, they sit comfortably in a 6000lb SUV, two feet above traffic, airbags galore, while their favorite DVD's playing.
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I actually sat in one a couple of weeks ago. Very roomy inside and very good interior quality as one would expect from a Mercedes product.
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LOL that's because you live in Aurora, IL :biggrin: They're all over here in Manhattan, and believe you me at times I wish I had one. Passed by sooo many parking spots where no other car would fit but this thing. That being said, I agree with you overall - it's a niche car that only really comes into its own in denser urban environments. And can you imagine how much better traffic would be if EVERYONE drove a smart?
True but neither is a motorcycle and we see lots of those around. Think of it as a motorcycle with extra wheels, a roof to keep you dry, and wipers. :biggrin:
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