Interested but hesitant (re: transmission lag)

[Fredvon4]

BikerBoy

Maybe you might be impressed that Many of the first smart owners in America, (all members here) come to the game owning or previously owning some of the best and most exotic or well designed sports and muscle cars that can be had. And we also have or previously owned some serious road and sport bikes.

Generally speaking we are all very happy with this car, as is, for what it is.

None of us are young folks with out a clue

Several of us take umbrage that the motor would be described as a POS or that the manumatic trany had excessive "lag" ....

While true that I can shift my Borg Warner Super T-10 with vertigate shifter through all 4 gears in under 5.8 seconds (1/8th) mile.... the truth is my ZF 5 speed in the Ford truck can not be shifted any faster up or down the gears then this smart car can do in auto mode or with the paddles...and I tend to think this thing shifts smoother and faster then I do on the 80 CI 93 FXR 5 speed

Initially, each of us brings good or bad habits to the relatively low powered and slightly quirky smart car... However, in all BUT one case on this forum, we have adapted and grown to like it for what it is.

I personally think the one guy who adamantly hated the tranny (and last I heard was selling out)...was a wussy who would not stick his foot in the little gals butt and make her go .....

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by bikerboy

My first "test drive" SUCKED! The route didn't allow me to go faster than 20mph and it lasted less than five minutes.

Sounds like my first test drive. After which, I almost decided to orphan my smart. I'm very glad I took delivery.

[bikerboy]

Did not mean to cause any offense. I will go for a second and maybe even third test drive before I make my verdict. Thanks to all for the opinions.

[mdfortwoguy]

I have a feeling once you get some road time in it you will like it.

It's not tremendously powerful, but the 71HP variant feels well balanced. (I can't say I have driven any of the other 451s, however). It also has no problem cruising at the 90 MPH limiter out on the open road - I just sat on it in mine for about 6 or 7 straight miles in a pocket of fast moving traffic on the way home from dinner, and it loved it.

[bikerboy]

No kidding; thats cool.

[mdfortwoguy]

Originally Posted by bikerboy

No kidding; thats cool.

Perhaps it's the lack of coffee, but I'm failing to see where the attitude is warranted?

[bikerboy]

Perhaps it's the lack of coffee, but I'm failing to see where the attitude is warranted?

Failing to understand you. What are you saying?

Edit: Pardon me I did not know what that icon stood for. I just thought it stood for someone thinking of a cool idea or something. Didn't know it stood for sarcasm at the time of posting. I was not being sarcastic and meant what I said.

[Fredvon4]

Fun trying to communicate on the internet ain't it BB (biker Boy)??


not to worry .....

All you need is to trust us

Go get the kool little car...

And enjoy life in the fast lane, or what ever you are accustomed to.

[mdfortwoguy]

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Failing to understand you. What are you saying?

Edit: Pardon me I did not know what that icon stood for. I just thought it stood for someone thinking of a cool idea or something. Didn't know it stood for sarcasm at the time of posting. I was not being sarcastic and meant what I said.

:-) Sorry about that... I was not having a good morning. My apologies for being snippy towards you.

[bikerboy]

The way this economy is going I'll never have a good morning.