Some questions

CharlesHart · 05-06-2008, 08:21 PM

1. Why does the Smart car only get 40mpg? (It should do much better). I get 35+mpg now with my Scion in all around driving and over 40 on the highway... And it is much heavier and has a larger engine with more horsepower.

2. Why isn't it tuned (and run on) regular gas which costs less? Wouldn't that be "smart?"

No one seems to be able to (or wants to) answers these questions.

I was at the dealership today and asked about a chip that would allow the smart car to run on regular gas (cheaper) and was told it would void the guarantee. It seems to me that a chip that would slightly de-tune the engine would allow it to get better fuel economy, run easier and last longer... And I don't understand how a chip that makes the engine run easier should void the warrantee.

Anyone have any answers?

Charles

blackbeagle · 05-06-2008, 08:32 PM

Maybe the reason why you are not getting any answers is because your generalization is not true. The Smart doesn't just get around 40mpg around town. If you look through the thread, you'll see that this is not the case. Some are reporting high 40's and low 50's.

I can't tell you about the grade in gas. But I'll pay the extra if I know I will get the best performance in my vehicle. It makes up for itself in the end.

As for performance chips, I dare you to mention that to ANY dealership and see if they tell you the same thing: WARRANTY VOID!!!!

I'm sure the chip isn't going to damage anything but you ARE changing the characteristic of the car itself.

**Dunerunner** · 05-06-2008, 08:44 PM

The smart, like blackbeagle has posted does regurally get better than 40mpg. It runs on 93 octane due to the high compression engine, just like my Defender 90. It can be chipped like my VW beetle (new turbo, w/chip = 180 hp) but what's the point. The car is what it is. To detune this engine would compromise fuel economy and performance. Again blackbeagle is right that any manufacturer will void your warranty if the engine, transmission or suspension is modified. It is their ace in the hole and they will always ues the escape clause.

Fredvon4 · 05-06-2008, 08:44 PM

Charles I have answers but up front I suspect you to be a troll looking for a fight

but in case you are just not too motor savvy here is the deal

The smart car is a type built niche car designed for narrow streets in a dense population city and fuel economy was the secondary consideration to emissions

It is also a short wheel base car with larger then normal frontal area so it has terrible aerodynamic profile

The high compression motor uses high octane fuel to provide max power for least bad emissions

This car fully complies with the stricter California CARB air quality standards

There is not "chip" that can make a high compression motor suddenly use low octane fuel...

However this car's ECU can compensate for using the lower regular fuel but at a reduced power output (normally)

We have members using 87 or 89 octane and reporting no apparent loss of power

If you really need a 50 MPG car might I suggest a used 1977 diesel VW rabbit

It will not have many of the safety or creature comforts of a smart fortwo though

smartysmitten · 05-07-2008, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesHart

1. Why does the Smart car only get 40mpg? (It should do much better). I get 35+mpg now with my Scion in all around driving and over 40 on the highway... And it is much heavier and has a larger engine with more horsepower.

2. Why isn't it tuned (and run on) regular gas which costs less? Wouldn't that be "smart?"

No one seems to be able to (or wants to) answers these questions.

I was at the dealership today and asked about a chip that would allow the smart car to run on regular gas (cheaper) and was told it would void the guarantee. It seems to me that a chip that would slightly de-tune the engine would allow it to get better fuel economy, run easier and last longer... And I don't understand how a chip that makes the engine run easier should void the warrantee.

Anyone have any answers?

Charles

Charles your questions are valid for sure.
Your car has a 10/1 compression ratio which is how they get the horsepower they need.
A chip change does many things but NOT change the 10/1 ratio.
Changing that would require a ( HEAD ) change and a ton of money.

AS your car breaks in, you will get better mileage. I have heard of 42-45 (on trips) many times!

Have fun!

Karl Roth · 05-07-2008, 08:57 AM

Hello CharlesHart thanks for asking. I have been getting an average of 38 mpg in town a mix the EPA don't test and am happy with it. the #s are a comparison tool giving you the ability to look at different vehicles and look at relative efficency. The smart is in a class of one at the moment in the US it is the only micro car available at the moment. It has the higest EPA rating of any gas only powered car sold here.
My smart is the highest tech car I have ever owned. Chipping is generaly a practice to extract more not less power from a car. The computer is smart enough to prevent damage if the vehicle is missfueled. In the smarts home market extracting lots of power from small displacement powerplants is more of a norm than we see here with our domestic market and many of the people that bought this car also bought into the mindset of small high powered motor to start.
From the company that builds Detroit Diesel the only micro car available new in the USA smart does that help?

karl

CharlesHart · 05-07-2008, 09:42 PM

[quote=Fredvon4;70832]Charles I have answers but up front I suspect you to be a troll looking for a fight

That's really funny (chuckling). I've never been called a "troll" before (I understand what you're alluding to though) ... And no, I'm not looking for a fight.

I'm actually "fighting" to convince myself to buy one. I love the idea of a small, comfortable, economical car! ... And I have a reservation.

However this car's ECU can compensate for using the lower regular fuel but at a reduced power output (normally)

Now THAT'S interesting! I didn't think (or realize) the ECU would compensate. Obviously this means I CAN use the low octane gas. I don't mind if there's some power loss since my primary concern is fuel economy combined with a easy to park urban car....

Apparantly the european models get (or got) better gas milage...

Recently when I was told to "realistically" expect 40mpg I was really surprised because I expected much better fuel economy.

The whole truth is I fell in love with the Smartie about four or five years ago and have been following it ever since. I (almost) couldn't wait for them to bring it to the USA and I almost bought one for $25,000.00 a couple of years ago. Wisely, I did wait.

I presently get better than 40mpg (highway) with my Scion (35+ in all around driving) so perhaps you can understand my disappointment when I was told "40mpg"... However, I would be willing to bet you a steak dinner that I'll get 45mpg (or better) and I'll do it on the low octane fuel when I get my smartie broken in! (BTW, the old diesel rabbit was a great car for its time).

I have taken two test drives (one in the rain). I really like this quirky little car. I do have to say that the transmission bogs badly when you leave it in the automatic mode. This engine NEEDS to be shifted manually to get nice smooth gear changes. On the other hand I will always be doing that so it's not an issue (with me).

Bottom line? I love it for its looks, comfort and functionality... And now that I know I can use the lower octane fuel without hurting it I will proceed with purchasing it.

Charles
AKA "Troll"
(I just couldn't resist kidding you a bit because when you suggested that I was/am a "Troll" it made me chuckle... So I figured I'd return the favor).

Karl Roth · 05-07-2008, 09:54 PM

Charles aka da troll Hart
don't base your opinion on just a short test drive with a car that get a new driver every 20 min. The gerbox takes a few days to learn your syle a little over a month to get broken in. I don't begrdge the car the the cost of higher octane fuel it is just such fun to drive. My wife has me back in the "manual" car have to turn on my own lights roll down my own windows even keep track of three pedals with only two feet. The car is a blast to drive even in auto (did I say that)
karl

Fredvon4 · 05-07-2008, 10:39 PM

Charles... don't get all hyped up that there is some economy in pumping 87 low(er) cost fuel... there are many anecdotal musing here on the subject...

I think in the long run total cost per mile and efficiency will be with the higher octane fuel the car was designed to run on... too new and too few mile on it to tell for sure...

Basically the reason they can run the 87 is the motor detects any preignition through the ping or knock sensor and usually it will increase fuel and retard ignition... there is a caution in the manual that this may deteriorate the catalyst early because of the raw fuel wash into the cylinders and exhaust system...

**jwight** · 05-08-2008, 05:40 AM

Quote:

This engine NEEDS to be shifted manually to get nice smooth gear changes.

Hey Charles, welcome and thanks for your question. Like it or not, you are now the Official Forum Troll, something no one else can claim!

Karl is right on the money, in that the transmission "learns" from the driver and will adapt to your driving style. I was all hyped about the paddles, but after a week or so with our car have stopped using them. The throttle pedal is very effective in telling the computer how fast (or slow) you want to accelerate and when to shift. I think you'll be surprised once you get your car.