Euro vs. US Differences...

[joelly3d]

I am curious. The CEO of Smart was on the "Today Show" some time ago and said that they made a choice to make the US more powerful which makes it less fuel efficient than the Euro Smart. So here are the questions I have:
What are these changes?
Would it be possible to swap engines from a mhd, deisel, or a regular gas euro smart down the road, after this engine has been spent? I would imagine yes, since the chassis is the same.
How is it possible that the deisel which is one of the cleanest cars in europe be called too dirty to bring to the us? (This is upsetting since it gets something nuts like 48-72mpg in europe, and there are still Hummers and trucks everywhere which can't possibly be cleaner.)

[SmartCard]

The gas engines are the same 1000 cc 71 hp mitsu engines, however Europe gets two other variants, the more powerful turbo (84 hp), and a less powerful 61 hp engine which is I think the same engine, but most be programmed differently? (Interestingly this 61 hp engine is given the same gas milage ratings?!) All of them specify premium unleaded as well.
The diesel, of course really isn't dirty, its just such a hassle to get through the US emissions standard, that smart hasn't bothered with this....yet

[PassionforPassionCT]

You would be wasting your time with the 61hp engine because it worsens the power to weight ratio of the car. 10 hp is alot, considering you have less than 100 to work with. And to achieve the same movement in the bigger engines you would have to work the smaller engine more, so really you would have to be a leadfoot. The reason for its existence would be certain tax brackets and other administrative costs in Europe considering pollution and smog output.
The only real differences between Euro cars would be very minor changes. The Shifter is one, no rear fog light. No amber lenses in the back. A new front headlamp bezel in the front with a side reflecter. And of course American style guages and temps on the AC. I think thats about it. Very Euro Chic still

[Evilution]

Originally Posted by joelly3d

they made a choice to make the US more powerful which makes it less fuel efficient than the Euro Smart.

From what I have heard, the decrease in efficiency is due to your fuel having a lower RON value than ours.

[prm1177]

Originally Posted by joelly3d

How is it possible that the deisel which is one of the cleanest cars in europe be called too dirty to bring to the us? (This is upsetting since it gets something nuts like 48-72mpg in europe, and there are still Hummers and trucks everywhere which can't possibly be cleaner.)

The dirty diesel issue is one with our type of diesel fuel. Typically the US variant his higher sulfur (500 ppm), but a newer version containing 15 ppm was introduced in 2006. Lower nitrous oxide and particulate requirements are also in place for 2007. Gas engines are much better from a sulfur and particulate point of view. It's only recently that US diesel fuel has been reformulated to produce cleaner exhaust emissions. I suspect Smart's reason for not bringing over the diesel to the US is its woeful acceleration. However, I anticipate MB & BMW to bring over their higher performance diesels soon, since these will help their CAFE ratings.

[prm1177]

Originally Posted by Evilution

From what I have heard, the decrease in efficiency is due to your fuel having a lower RON value than ours.

I think the problem is that American Smarts have to carry heavier Americans.

[meaux61]

Originally Posted by prm1177

I think the problem is that American Smarts have to carry heavier Americans.

For SURE!!!

[Bill Marshall]

Some differences between Euro & American versions:

1. Different suspension (?)
2. Wider bumper
3. Longer crash boxes
4. Side airbags standard in US, optional in Europe
5. Different exhaust
6. Different gas tank
7. Breakdown kit standard in US, optional in Europe
8. Glove compartment standard in US
9. Passenger airbag deactivation notification system only in US
10. Extra padding in US
11. Different wheels
11. Extra emissions equipment in US
12. Different compression ratio in US (10:1 vs 11.4:1)
13. 155 pounds heavier in US
14. MHD standard in Europe, not available in US
15. About 10 mpg more fuel efficient in Europe.

[John_H]

...and Europe doesn't use TPMS.

[Carl242]

Anybody know what the deal is with the different wheels? Personally I prefer the Pure wheels much better--it would be nice to have a choice.