Cross winds: Does it handle like a 70's VW

[SloPok]

I had a 1970 VW and I was wondering if anyone here had an older VW Bug and can compaire how the cross winds effect the Bug vrs smart.

Driving around New England and a trip to West Virginia and Florida, it was windy and you had to hand on when hit by a cross wind but not off of the road or out of your lane. Both being a rear wheel drive and engine. The front was pretty light with just the spare and the gas tank for weight.

Here in Oregon the max speed limit is 65. Most drive 70. If you are doing 80 you're up the creek! BIG fine $285.

[nprsmart]

Originally Posted by SloPok

I had a 1970 VW and I was wondering if anyone here had an older VW Bug and can compaire how the cross winds effect the Bug vrs smart.

Driving around New England and a trip to West Virginia and Florida, it was windy and you had to hand on when hit by a cross wind but not off of the road or out of your lane. Both being a rear wheel drive and engine. The front was pretty light with just the spare and the gas tank for weight.

Here in Oregon the max speed limit is 65. Most drive 70. If you are doing 80 you're up the creek! BIG fine $285.

I had a 72 Super Beetle when I went to college. The two cars are VERY similar in feel, including in crosswinds. One winter weekend I went home to visit and my folks made me drive back in dad's Eldorado convertible because of the windy conditions. Campus police, who would generally ticket anything that wasn't parked in the correct lot, left the Eldo alone for the whole week, regardless of where I parked it.

[MrVvrroomm]

The simple answer to your question: yes

[tgobie50]

Had a Bug in the 60's, and they do feel pretty much the same. A lot of fun.

[Westfield 11]

Originally Posted by MrVvrroomm

The simple answer to your question: yes

Especially if you inflate your tires to the sidewall maximum in an attempt to increase mileage. Follow smart's recommendation, not Continentals.

[MrVvrroomm]

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

Especially if you inflate your tires to the sidewall maximum in an attempt to increase mileage. Follow smart's recommendation, not Continentals.

The tires on all my vehicles always within a psi or two of the manufacturer's (vehicle, not tire) recommendation.

[jimvw57]

Last few days driving to work there were some cross winds, about 20 mph, and it did tend to shift a little but not as much as my Expedition. Kind of like putting up a sail. The Smart worked just fine as it has a smaller surface area on the sides than the truck.

[theguywiththelongestname]

the smart reacts to crosswinds like a VW Squareback...

[fortow]

The maximum pressure indicated on tire sidewalls is just that - maximum safe pressure and the pressure that provides maximum load on the tire. It is not a recommendation for inflation pressures. The vehicle manufacturer sets that, not the tire manufacturer. Having said that, for most vehicles the recommended pressures are a compromise taking ride comfort, tire wear, and performance (grip, handling, under and oversteer) into account.

Tire pressures will also have an effect on how the car handles cross winds. I haven't found it to be a problem.

[Dave Van]

I feel crosswinds more in this than my Concorde 'boat' but look at my pics and see how much taller the Smart is than the Chrysler! Add to that the narrow track and it will feel different in a crosswind. After about a week I did not notice it any longer.