I just read on another site that the fortwo has a 500 lb. weight limit. Is this true? I'm close to 200 lbs and my significant other won't say how much he weighs, but he is much bigger than I am. Will we be too big for this car? Yikes! I really want one!!!
Here's a photo of one of the stickers on the car. It does say, "518 pounds".
I'll guess that maybe the breaking system won't stop as quickly if one exceeds the weight limit. Also, when going uphill, the extra weight puts more load on the motor. So, a few pounds over may not matter too much, but a few hundred pounds over may matter quite a bit...
If I get a chance, I'll ask at the at the LA Auto Show.
A lot of the weight problem will be with the tires overheating!
The load limit on the front tires is 827 lbs, more on the back, so the total tire load rating is at least 3200 lbs (1400 lbs more than the car weight). I think the limitation is all in the suspension. If they set it up to handle much more weight, it would be a far stiffer ride than the typical driver would like to experience if they are of average weight.
I just got back from my second trip from the LA Auto Show...
The load limit for the Pure is 518 pounds, 235kg.
The load limit for the Passion is 507 pounds, 230kg.
The load limit for the Cabriolet is 463 pounds, 210kg.
My guess is, that as additional equipment is added, the weight of the equipment is factored in and the Load Limit for People & Cargo is reduced.
As far as overloading beyond the limit, the people in the Smart booth said that the extra weight exceeds the suspension system's design, puts extra stress on the tires, will reduce the MPG, and is NOT a good idea. After all, every car has a limit as to what it can carry.
Exactly - the problem with too much weight will be in the suspension. It won't accelerate as well, corner as well, nor stop as well above 500 lbs, and the suspension parts will wear out faster. The car weighs roughly 1600 lbs, so you're at 1/3 its mass when you have 500 lbs on board. For comparison purposes, a Chevy Impala weights approx 3,500 lbs. A similar passenger weight would be roughly 1,200 lbs. If you can imagine eight 150 lb people in a Chevy Impala, you can see that it would have quite an effect on the vehicle's handling and parts.
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And nothing broke? j/k
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