Smart Car Demo?

[Conan71]

Did anyone go to the Smart Car demonstration at the coffee shop on Cherry St. last Saturday?  

I had forgotten all about it until Sunday night.  Their small size intimidates me since I'm used to driving a full size truck.  Just curious what the impressions were if anyone drove one.

[Aa5drvr]

Just returned from Barcelona and Rome.  They are EVERYWHERE!  Its funny seeing them parked lengthwise in parallel parking spots.

[Ed W]

I was there on Saturday, but I was pressed for time and didn't go for a drive.  But I did take some pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8188326@N02/

[Wingnut]

I think they're kind of funky looking, but I used to have a video of a test with one of them being driven straight into a wall at 70 mph. The drivers door wouldn't open very well, but the passenger side door opened as usual. It was considered a very survivable crash. Very impressive.
I'll look and see if I can find the video.

[Wingnut]

I found it but I don't know how to post it.
Any ideas??

[sgrizzle]

post it to youtube or google video, then you can post a link here..

[mspivey]

I've been following the Smart Car for months. I was down there Saturday morning and drove one. It is very comfortable. I'm 6 ft tall and I had to pull the seat forward to reach the pedals. I'm guessing I drove it 1/2 mile on slow streets. The 3 cylinder engine was pretty weak. I've always liked small cars and I was prepared to like it but I really was not impressed. It just seemed kinda klunky.

[Wingnut]

There are several videos online already. Just google it. I don't know if any show it hitting the wall, though.
I can't work with videos at work so it would be later today before I can figure out how to post it somewhere.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by mspivey

I've been following the Smart Car for months. I was down there Saturday morning and drove one. It is very comfortable. I'm 6 ft tall and I had to pull the seat forward to reach the pedals. I'm guessing I drove it 1/2 mile on slow streets. The 3 cylinder engine was pretty weak. I've always liked small cars and I was prepared to like it but I really was not impressed. It just seemed kinda klunky.

Yeah, but let's look at our personal perspective when you and I are used to this kind of accelleration []:

[dbacks fan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju6t-yyoU8s

Here is the video from the show Top Gear in England.

[Breadburner]

They sure could have chosen a better venue for this.....Blocking Cherry Street off from 9 to 5 was just plain silly.....

[Double A]

I drove one. The next car I buy will probably be a  SMART car, unless I can buy a Tango(0-60 in 4 seconds) for a comparable price. Although, I hear there might be an EV SMART car in production soon. Hmmm.

[Conan71]

What's the price on a basic smart car?

Crashing one into a brick wall is one thing, getting run over by a semi on 244 is quite another.

[dbacks fan]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

What's the price on a basic smart car?

Crashing one into a brick wall is one thing, getting run over by a semi on 244 is quite another.

I think the base price is around 12,500 to 13,000 with the top of the line model at about 17,500.

[tulsascoot]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

What's the price on a basic smart car?

Crashing one into a brick wall is one thing, getting run over by a semi on 244 is quite another.

How often does any car get "run over" by a semi. I am tired of hearing these kind of statements as an excuse for Americans to drive big inefficient vehicles. Besides, with the Smart car tridiron cage, you'd probably come out better than if you were in a mid size sedan. They are surprisingly safe.