road noise... - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Krodista · 03-07-2008, 11:05 AM

I test drove a couple of smarts when they came to the jacksonville area. I got back in line a couple of times so that I could drive a cabriolet and a coupe. The trip only passed around urban areas, so high speeds wasnt in the mix. I remember someone saying that the model was a UK model and things would be slightly different with the redesign. One of the questions I wondered is if any of you who have purchased a new cabriolet have noticed it is rather loud in the car? I know that mostly convertibles/cabriolets are louder then their hardtop counterparts, but I know that some are far worse then others. A jeep wrangler on the interstate can often sound like the same thing I am sure a mouse would hear if attached to a kite in a hurricane! I am considering buying a cabriolet over the coupe model because it would be nice to drive during the sunny Florida days, but when it rains or gets to hot to drive with the top down, I am wondering what the noise must be like. Also, does the cars handeling decrease at higher speeds with the top down. How weather-proof is the cabriolet (anyone ever have water leakage? Anyone with any first hand information would be greatly appreciated.

angel · 03-07-2008, 12:35 PM

If possible I'd say schedule a test drive with your local dealership. What seems like loud road noise to one could seem like an exaggeration to another. I've been to the local dealership here and really appreciated getting to drive the US model. Though my impressions could be entirely different from someone else's.

cmjars · 03-07-2008, 07:16 PM

I agree with Angel. All of our impressions might different.

I have a Cabrio and built in Bluetooth Cell Phone Connection (after market) and with the top is up I have conversation at any speed on 99% of roads (haven't on a dirt road) with no problems. To me it's not loud for a soft top and previous jeep owner.

Go drive one on the freeway.

-Christopher

xcrew229x · 03-07-2008, 08:36 PM

Just took delivery of a new Passion Coupe, and drove it home across I-70 from Columbus OH to Dayton. At 70 mph, it is a good deal louder inside than our 8 yr old PT Cruiser. It gets substantially better mpg than the PT, and handles like a go-cart, so the tradeoff is worth it. So far I'm very pleased.