Brabus upgrade worth it?

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by gstreetcomic

If i recall correctly, a person who owns a Barabus can swap their panels for whatever color suits their fancy.

Of course, just as you can with any other Fortwo, just not for free.

[dancote]

Originally Posted by cadfael_tex

Comparing models and have about decided on the Passion but wondering if the extra goodies on the Brabus are worth it. Does the lower ride height make that big a difference in handling?
Tony

Yes. This comes from a former 2008 Passion owner. Once I drove a Brabus, I was convinced it was worth it for me.

Originally Posted by gstreetcomic

If i recall correctly, a person who owns a Barabus can swap their panels for whatever color suits their fancy. I for one would personally like the idea of getting more color choices upon delivery. Especially Blue

So true. Ours is Yellow/Black. smart center Seattle has done several Brabus panel swaps. I saw a Blue/Black there that was stunning.

Regards,

Dan

[cpear451]

(Having just bought a Rally Red Passion barely a month ago) I test drove a black Brabus and found no difference in how it handles turns, bumps, etc. And since the performance is basically the same, why should I get this car? And I'm not a fan of leather interiors.

I also didn't like how the front wheels were not 17in also, so the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. The Pure/Passion/Cabriolet wheels looked more balanced since the only difference is their width, not sidewall. Granted I liked the styling otherwise and I had hoped the US Brabus would look the same as a Euro Brabus.

With the need to get the second vehicle (aka SUV) off the road, I ended up getting a Blue Passion with some extras for $3200 less. I feel I got more smart for my money than with the Brabus. And I could always add wheels, body kit, exhaust, and suspension later.

Besides, why not buy a passion (or a Pure even), then get one of those turbo kits, then for the price of a Brabus, you'll actually have a performance smart.


But one thing to note, one of the sales guys at Smart Center Denver had said that the Brabus had stronger/thicker drive axles. Any truth to this?

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by cpear451

But one thing to note, one of the sales guys at Smart Center Denver had said that the Brabus had stronger/thicker drive axles. Any truth to this?

No sir. The sales person was probably just trying to generate a thicker commission.

Axle strength really isn't a concern when your engine only generates 68 lb ft of torque, anyway.

[jetfuel]

cpear451...totally disagree with you on that thought...if you did not feel a difference between the Brabus ride compared to the Pasion then I do believe you need to have the seat of your pants calibrated....even my bride...who is not into car like some of us are, turned around and told me "it does ride better than mine"...and this happened before we even got to the end of the street...

jetfuel...a different ride..

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by cpear451

(always add wheels, body kit, exhaust, and suspension later.

Besides, why not buy a passion (or a Pure even), then get one of those turbo kits, then for the price of a Brabus, you'll actually have a performance smart.

?

Just like anyting else on the smart like a tach and clock, its cheeper to buy the package from the factory than try and add it on later.

[nsigue]

I moved from an 08 cabrio to an 09 brabus. TOTALLY worth the price for my money in every way. Happy happy happy

[eddie.vandermark]

I liked the Brabus alot, but, I didn't want to have to pay more for it. For me, the car looked great, but, I know myself and like to add those types of extras for myself. That way I can choose from a selection of body kits, wheels, suspensions, exhaust, etc., etc. If you do like the Brabus and don't have any plans for any further aftermarket tid bits, by it. As already mentioned, it's much cheaper to get it from the factory than to add it afterwards.

[Smartfor2guy]

I have a 08 passion and my09 Brabus came in 2 weeks ago. Drove it, did not noticely any improvement in ride or handling. Not a fan of leather either. No power increase. I did not think it was worth it. Spent some on new wheels/tires and new panels. and saved 3 grand.

[psimison]

I've owned both. I would buy the Brabus every time. You can feel the difference in the ride, handling. Performance is no better. My very non-car wife can tell the difference. I have owned lots and lots of cars. The Brabus feels like a car should. Just lacks power. Whether it is worth the price or not is debatable. Whether a smart is worth the price is also debatable. Cars are rarely a good investment. The Brabus does handle vastly better that the other models. Wind handling is vastly superior. With 50 more horsepower you would really feel the difference. I would like 16 inch lower profile tires up front, but the ride would suffer. You can have transportation and novelty without the Brabus. You may be able to appreciate the Brabus. If not, don't buy it. Your decision, not mine. I made mine already. I haven't changed my mind.