Engine Revs

[GliderDude]

Hi all,

I keep hearing how the Smart is an "urban car" and how it's "not good for prolonged freeway driving". Well, how bad are the Smart's engine RPMs at freeway speeds. As a comparison my current 2008 Honda Fit manual is pounding away at about 3150 RPM at 65mph, and it has tiny 15'' wheels. My previous 1998 Subaru did 3000 at 65.

How do your Smart's handle the freeways?

[flywithsean]

Handles great on the freeway and at 75 mph it is nice and quiet inside.

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by GliderDude

Hi all,

I keep hearing how the Smart is an "urban car" and how it's "not good for prolonged freeway driving".

Where do you keep hearing this??? I drive 50 miles a day on the freeway in my smart, and always leave the so-called 'better' car at home now because the smart is the king of the freeway.

[24-42]

Originally Posted by GliderDude

Hi all,

I keep hearing how the Smart is an "urban car" and how it's "not good for prolonged freeway driving". Well, how bad are the Smart's engine RPMs at freeway speeds. As a comparison my current 2008 Honda Fit manual is pounding away at about 3150 RPM at 65mph, and it has tiny 15'' wheels. My previous 1998 Subaru did 3000 at 65.

How do your Smart's handle the freeways?

Living in Calif., I traveled to Missouri (Columbia), took delivery of my Smart, drove to CA (2 1/2 days). One day later drove up to Roseburg, OR. Same day made the return trip back to LA, CA, arrived next day.

The RPM @65MPH is 2700 on my 450, One of the reasons I chose my 6speed Smart.

I think the 451 is closer to 3k to 3200RPM with a 5 speed transmission. Someone with a 451 and a tach will give you a report.

Handling of my 450 is excellent and I know of no reason that the 451 would be any different.

The car has outstanding roadholding at 65 - 75mph (It will creep up to 80-85)on you if you don't keep an eye on your speedo. Steering is responsive but not overly sensitive

Mileage for all this averaged 56mpg. I now average 48-52mpg in the city and 58-60 on the highway.

Donald LaFavor

[24-42]

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

Where do you keep hearing this??? I drive 50 miles a day on the freeway in my smart, and always leave the so-called 'better' car at home now because the smart is the king of the freeway.

He might of easily have read it right here on this site if he was on it last fall.

So many people on this site (completely unqualified ) were disputing other 450 owners & myself who were relating our real life experiences with the Smart on the highway and how smooth the shifting could become with practice.

It's amusing to see 'Converts' join the choir.

Donald LaFavor

[SmartBob]

"not good for prolonged freeway driving".

Wrong! I've been hearing nothing but good stuff about freeway driving including from the big man himself, Mr. Penske who drove it 600 miles across Texas.

[Smartfrog]

Originally Posted by 24-42

Living in Calif., I traveled to Missouri (Columbia), took delivery of my Smart, drove to CA (2 1/2 days). One day later drove up to Roseburg, OR. Same day made the return trip back to LA, CA, arrived next day.

The RPM @65MPH is 2700 on my 450, One of the reasons I chose my 6speed Smart.

I think the 451 is closer to 3k to 3200RPM with a 5 speed transmission. Someone with a 451 and a tach will give you a report.

Handling of my 450 is excellent and I know of no reason that the 451 would be any different.

The car has outstanding roadholding at 65 - 75mph (It will creep up to 80-85)on you if you don't keep an eye on your speedo. Steering is responsive but not overly sensitive

Mileage for all this averaged 56mpg. I now average 48-52mpg in the city and 58-60 on the highway.

Donald LaFavor

Our orphan doesn't have a tach. Is there someone out there who would be kind enough to let us know what the tach numbers are at the various gear speeds? Thank you.