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Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

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Old 04-02-2008, 04:27 AM   #1
cwerdna
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Default Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

I'm not terribly surprised it didn't do too well. It sounds like the transmission is still crap as reported by Consumer Reports (and others) on the previous gen.
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Old 04-02-2008, 12:44 PM   #2
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

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Originally Posted by cwerdna View Post
Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

I'm not terribly surprised it didn't do too well. It sounds like the transmission is still crap as reported by Consumer Reports (and others) on the previous gen.
I wouldn't say the transmission is crap. I've driven the new Smart and liked it. In manual mode the transmission shifts very slowly but is better when shifted manually. You also need to modulate the throttle when shifting like in a normal manual. If you do this then the shifting is OK, not great. However, I've also driven VW's triptronic and found the same issues. The shifts are slow in auto mode and jerky in manual mode unless you match RPM's like a normal manual.

I would take any opinions on the ride with a grain of salt. Having lived in Michigan for 22 years and still visiting at least once a year I would have to say the Michigan roads, and Detroit roads in particular are the worst I have ever driven. They are even worse than roads in rural Czech Republic and Poland.
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Old 04-02-2008, 01:31 PM   #3
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

The transmission is a plus if you plan to convert to an EV.
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Old 04-02-2008, 02:16 PM   #4
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

i was actually considering a smart car, esp since one of my buddies runs a dealership, but really needed the extra back seats

great car for what it is, wont take the freeway or long drives like the prius would, but in crowded city streets...that car will totally SHINE!!!
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Old 04-02-2008, 05:38 PM   #5
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

lol. Then you didn't test drive one or you drove one like an automatic.


The transmission is a LOT better than the diesel one, trust me. I've driven both. The diesel one has a lag so large, I was reading the road markers before it shifted and pointed back up so I can see the road ahead again.

This 451's transmission is a lot better and when driven like a manual, it smooths out to the point where there is no rocking motion. It's a fun car to drive and wouldn't mind having one in the fleet.
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Old 04-02-2008, 10:52 PM   #6
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

yeah I totally preffered driving it in manual using the flappy paddles its fun
the jerk doesn't bother me, my moms QP kinna does the same thing
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Old 05-31-2008, 12:10 AM   #7
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

Can you really park Smart cars perpendicular to the street, and as a separate question, is it legal?

http://www.unitednathanproductions.c...arking_lrg.jpg
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Old 05-31-2008, 01:28 AM   #8
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

^parking yes, illegal in cali^
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Old 05-31-2008, 12:38 PM   #9
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

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[The] waiting list will dissipate quickly -- as more drivers realize that the fortwo was built to fit into most Dumpsters for a reason.
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Old 05-31-2008, 04:47 PM   #10
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Default Re: Smart looks, poor manners: Fortwo is small on performance, ride -- but great for parking

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Can you really park Smart cars perpendicular to the street, and as a separate question, is it legal?

http://www.unitednathanproductions.c...arking_lrg.jpg
Yes. Check with your local authority. Some places do allow perpendicular parking.
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