Smart car

[airdvr 210]

Saw quite a few of these in the EU this spring. A good fit in the city. But yesterday I saw one tooling down the freeway, semi in front and behind.

Am I the only one who'd feel like a bug staring at an oncoming windshield in one of these things? I know they faired pretty good ih the IIHS testing but simple physics says you're a dead man if you get hit by anything other than a small child on a tricycle while driving it.

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[aardvarkeater 0]

I guess you just have to drive smarter in the Smart car.

Muff Brother #4026
Loco Zapatos Rodriguez
SCR #14793

[Gawain 0]

Not only that, but with all the US emissions plumbing in them, their mileage is unimpressive for such a small engine: 33/41 cty/hwy.

However, for keeping as local or city driver, it's ideal.

Then again, with a sticker price of $12K...it's not a great value against the Honda Fit, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Suzuki Reno, Toyota Corolla and Yaris. All of which are within $2k.

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I know they faired pretty good ih the IIHS testing but simple physics says you're a dead man if you get hit by anything other than a small child on a tricycle while driving it.

Indeed. I watched some of the micro-Japanese cars get in accidents when I visited my in-laws. The basic speed limit on the surface streets there is pretty much 20-25mph every where. One of these things would get tapped by a delivery truck...the damn thing would turn inside out and everybody would be dead...

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[mouth 0]

How would this compare to the new Honda Hydro car?

--
Hot Mama
At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit.

[Gawain 0]

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How would this compare to the new Honda Hydro car?

The Honda Clarity FCX is pretty much still experimental. They're being leased on a limited basis ($600/mo 3-yr lease) and Honda is taking a huge loss to deploy it to market too. Mileage-wise, it's measured on miles per kilogram of hydrogen gas. 72mi/kg combined with a 4.1kg capacity. The design is way more efficient overall.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[mouth 0]

SO basically not for regular people yet. Any idea how efficient it is going to be? Would it be worth saving up for?

Got 117,000 miles on my Solara convertable. Got new tires and a new top so I'm good for at least another 100K

--
Hot Mama
At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit.

[AggieDave 6]

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Then again, with a sticker price of $12K...it's not a great value against the Honda Fit, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Suzuki Reno, Toyota Corolla and Yaris. All of which are within $2k.

Basically its a hippy ego rub. People feel more smug because its trendy to have the little car, just like when hybrids first came out.

You're absolutely right, for a little bit more you can have a much more practical vehicle that gets similar gas mileage and could actually fit two grown adults and their stuff.

Whats concerning me is the huge explosion of scooter/moped sales. None of these people are buying motorcycles because "they don't know how to ride one" but they're buying the scooters. There is going to be a huge surge in scooter/moped deaths during the next two years simply because these people don't know how to ride and are not getting any training.

That's not the government's fault, the people should take some self responsibility.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Gawain 0]

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SO basically not for regular people yet. Any idea how efficient it is going to be? Would it be worth saving up for?

Got 117,000 miles on my Solara convertable. Got new tires and a new top so I'm good for at least another 100K

Nope, it's not ready yet. Several things have to happen before the HFC type vehicle is viable:

1) Cost of technology has to go down drastically
2) Hydrogen refueling infrastructure must expand - there are currently only two in the US alone.
3) New methods of hydrogen development and production must be pursued, hydrogen takes more energy to make than it has itself as a fuel. That's a matter of time though.
4) Battery technology requires another quantum leap in weight and efficiency.

I think the FCX is one of the more exciting cars to come out in a long time. If I were in California, I'd get in line if I could afford it.

You bring up another factor too: current cars are very efficient, durable and reliable. Without trying to take this to speakers corner, that is one of the challenges we face in resource use in the future.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[jdthomas 0]

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I know they faired pretty good ih the IIHS testing but simple physics says you're a dead man if you get hit by anything other than a small child on a tricycle while driving it.

I have seen some impressieve video of these things getting smashed at high speeds and yet the compartment is in fairly good shape, one of the videos the tester still was able to open the door after the car got smashed!
I dont own one because I got more car for the same price with the same gas mpg (dodge neon) as I was not impressed with the smart cars mpg.
I also agree that the scooter death rate will be higher, you are correct in that these people do not usally know how to ride and thats why they buy the scooter (as well as price and a few other things) working in ems we have already saw a new rash of injurys. I would imagine it is the same as when the moped came out in the 70/80's. I know then that many of my friends had those and a few of those guys got the pimp limp from wrecking those silly 50cc things!
Oh and Jimmy Coiner said the smart car is for pillow huggers, I am not sure what that means but Jimmy said it and thats good enough.

www.greenboxphotography.com

[airdvr 210]

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I have seen some impressieve video of these things getting smashed at high speeds and yet the compartment is in fairly good shape, one of the videos the tester still was able to open the door after the car got smashed!

I'm sure that's true when it hits something stationary. Not so sure when it gets creamed by a US Express 18 wheeler.

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[AnKaLi 0]

motorcycle sales have increased as well (not sure how it compares to scooters) I imagine both will see an increase in accidents/deaths due to stupidity.


Must say I'm content with my little civic. Passed a Chevy Tahoe on the way to work that was blasted with HYBRID stickers all over it. Got to the office and realized I still get almost 15MPG more than the thing.

[squirrel 0]

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Not only that, but with all the US emissions plumbing in them, their mileage is unimpressive for such a small engine: 33/41 cty/hwy.

However, for keeping as local or city driver, it's ideal.

Then again, with a sticker price of $12K...it's not a great value against the Honda Fit, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Suzuki Reno, Toyota Corolla and Yaris. All of which are within $2k.

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I know they faired pretty good ih the IIHS testing but simple physics says you're a dead man if you get hit by anything other than a small child on a tricycle while driving it.

Indeed. I watched some of the micro-Japanese cars get in accidents when I visited my in-laws. The basic speed limit on the surface streets there is pretty much 20-25mph every where. One of these things would get tapped by a delivery truck...the damn thing would turn inside out and everybody would be dead...

growing up, we had one of these...i believe it had a 600cc motor. we would actually put 4 people in there, and it got 45mpg. i am not at all impressed yet with what new cars get for mpg.

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[Remster 30]

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Not only that, but with all the US emissions plumbing in them, their mileage is unimpressive for such a small engine: 33/41 cty/hwy.

I know... I was looking at them a couple of week ago, and I couldnt beleive those numbers... European versions get up to 60mpg...

Remster

[RALFFERS 0]

Nothing is worse than this... I rode in 1 once; couldn't wait to get out, for obvious reasons - and felt claustrophobic on top of it.

Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself -

"from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of

[piratemike 0]

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[That's not the government's fault, the people should take some self responsibility.

Did you really say that?

People will not now, nor will they in the future take responsibility for them selfs.

maybe I'm just being cynical. But probably not.

[kelpdiver 2]

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However, for keeping as local or city driver, it's ideal.

Then again, with a sticker price of $12K...it's not a great value against the Honda Fit, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Suzuki Reno, Toyota Corolla and Yaris. All of which are within $2k.

There are literally thousands of street parking spots in CA that only a car as short as the Mini can legally use. The Smart car would also enjoy them, these others would not. Every tow from sticking 2 inches into someone's driveway costs you close to $300, nevermind the hassle and desire to kill your neighbor.

[AggieDave 6]

People rarely take responsibility for their actions. They should, but they don't. Its too bad, but hey you're right, that's how people are.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[ryoder 1,590]

I just drove past the local Blackjack Pizzeria a mile from home and noticed they have a Smart for home deliveries parked out in front, all decked out with the Blackjack logos and pictures of pizza all over it. Poor little car.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[livendive 8]

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I just drove past the local Blackjack Pizzeria a mile from home and noticed they have a Smart for home deliveries parked out in front, all decked out with the Blackjack logos and pictures of pizza all over it. Poor little car.

They only deliver personal-size pizzas?

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[JohnMitchell 16]

Vskydiver fell in love with Le Smart car years ago in France. It got 80 mpg on diesel, but you could not bring one into the U.S. The new version in bigger, heavier, and gets worse mileage. Like you said, why bother. My Ford econobox (Escort) get over 35 mpg combined, and can carry up to 5 people (one passenger must midget or contortionist), and have room enough for 3-4 skydivers' gear in the trunk.

Canada still has the original version available, but you have to sign a "no export" document if you buy one North of the border. We checked.

[piratemike 0]

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Canada still has the original version available, but you have to sign a "no export" document if you buy one North of the border. We checked.

And who enforces that agreement?

Why are they not allowed for export?

[piratemike 0]

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Nothing is worse than this... I rode in 1 once; couldn't wait to get out, for obvious reasons - and felt claustrophobic on top of it.

Okay, I'll bite.

Other than a death trap, what is that thing?

[RALFFERS 0]

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Nothing is worse than this... I rode in 1 once; couldn't wait to get out, for obvious reasons - and felt claustrophobic on top of it.

Okay, I'll bite.

Other than a death trap, what is that thing?

The maker is a Polish company - "Fiat" and the model is called: "Maluch" - which literally translated into English means: "tiny."




Edited to add: (for shits n' giggles) the auto maker's website and more information about the model itself.

[Edited again] I stand corrected... It appears that Fiat is an Italian auto maker; I was always told it was Polish - but it looks like that's just where the factory was and thus where it was produced.

Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself -

"from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of

[Brains 2]

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Whats concerning me is the huge explosion of scooter/moped sales. None of these people are buying motorcycles because "they don't know how to ride one" but they're buying the scooters. There is going to be a huge surge in scooter/moped deaths during the next two years simply because these people don't know how to ride and are not getting any training.

Dave,
What is the actual Law here in TX about riding one of those without a motorcycle end. on your license? I had a guy tell me yesterday that you only needed a regular DL for some of them. Is it under a certain cc? And i agree with you, i was in your mostest favoritist city in TX, (you know the one with THE U. of TX) the other day and was amazed at the number of small scooters zooming all over downtown with idiots riding two up Even funnier was that it was during the R.O.T biker rally and the PRIDE parade talk about an interesting mix.

Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you.

[mnealtx 0]

IIRC, as long as it's under a certain size engine (I believe it's 50cc) there is no motorcycle license required.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706