fortwo driveability

[MrVvrroomm]

Our family car when I was a child was a 1959 VW Beetle. Anyone else see the similarities of the fortwo and the original beetle? Relatively inexpensive, rear-engine, rear-drive, small motor, economical, the list of similarities goes on.

I've been reading many, many posts regarding the transmission and the driveablility issues of the smart fortwo. Have any of you ever driven a 70 horsepower car with a totally manual transmission? It's 70 hp, deal with it. You're not going to get neck-breaking acceleration, but you're probably going to get pretty decent fuel economy.

The 1959 Beetle I grew up riding in had a 1.2 liter, air-cooled, flat four cylinder that made 36, yes THIRTY-SIX horsepower, coupled to a 4 speed manual transmission.

I can tell you, without a doubt, that my '08 smart fortwo in D shifts faster and is much quicker 0-60 mph than the old Beetle. As it should, being 49 years younger.

I guess the point is that we've all got 70 hp to deal with. Our closest competition between stoplights is a snail. You all did get a test drive right? I had several test drives, but took delivery anyway.

The car ain't perfect, but it's pretty damn unique.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by MrVvrroomm

Our closest competition between stoplights is a snail.

The drive of a block or two to the next traffic signal shouldn't be a competition. Maybe you didn't mean it that way. But, sadly, that's how most people DO drive. And when I'm embedded in the pack it is difficult to drive economically ... without hindering the herd which is powering up to the point of applying brakes.

OTOH, I've never had the slightest bit of difficulty running with the herd when I so desired.

[EpicSmartHere]

I agree the car is fun to drive. Period. I have mine for a month and I still really look forward to my commute.

I am getting more interested in adding a little more H.P. even if it is a little, hoping a K&N and exhaust will do the trick. I want just a little more pep. I can live without though fo'sur!

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

The drive of a block or two to the next traffic signal shouldn't be a competition. [...].

It can be disheartening to drive at a speed as constant as possible to stay with the virtual "green wave" between traffic lights, and see others pass and rush until the next red light to stop, slowing down the smooth drivers in the process...

About the VW and the smart: it was easy to lose control after a bump, the front of the VW was too light; whereas the smart seems to be much more sure-footed.
Not to mention all the amenities (efficient heater, AC, electric lock/windows, etc...)

[Cruising n Coasting]

Originally Posted by EpicSmartHere

I agree the car is fun to drive. Period. I have mine for a month and I still really look forward to my commute.

I am getting more interested in adding a little more H.P. even if it is a little, hoping a K&N and exhaust will do the trick. I want just a little more pep. I can live without though fo'sur!

I just sold my $400 Doug Thorley exhaust and decided to sell my K&N and the entire car on EBAY. It's the one that's a Passion triple black w/ HID.

In addition to the bug mentioned above, my first new car was a 1985 Honda Accord 5-spd with 86hp. It was 1,000lbs heavier and bigger than the SMART and I was able to chirp the tires with a modest 2500rpm launch and achieve 0-60 in 10 seconds without any mods. The tranny in this car is the REAL issue - it is a slug.

In addition, the ride is very rough and handles poorly. I would keep the car if I could fix the suspension problem, but I can't deal with feeling every single bump w/o the advantage of good handling (like that of a Supercharged Miata that I sold last year). The bumpy ride is not justified - no matter how good the mileage is.

If someone has a solution to the ride, please point me in the right direction - bc I love the gas mileage.

[RVGRINGO]

I can relate; my first VW was a 1951 Beetle and my present 2007 Smart 450 with 61 HP is certainly superior in all departments.

[fortow]

Originally Posted by Cruising n Coasting

In addition, the ride is very rough and handles poorly. I would keep the car if I could fix the suspension problem, but I can't deal with feeling every single bump w/o the advantage of good handling (like that of a Supercharged Miata that I sold last year). The bumpy ride is not justified - no matter how good the mileage is.

That's strange - the Miata I drive is a lot harsher than the Smart car. They're both small and light so a harsh ride on rough pavement should be expected. Tire design has more to do with this than you might realize as well. Until I changed to Toyo R1's on the Miata its ride was quite unpleasant. Now it's acceptable - and because of my experiences with it, the Smart car does not seem the least bit unusual. I guess it's all a matter of expectations coupled with tolerance.

As to the transmission - I don't find that to be a "slug" either - of course I shift the car in manual mode and it shifts very smoothly and quick enough to not be noticable. If you use the auto mode then your comment might be understandable.

[JIM VINYARD]

Suggestion to all forum members that have a rough ride, i would recommend you verify that all tires are inflated to the proper tire pressure. over inflated tires will make a major difference in the way your vehicle rides. check your driver side door sill for the tire pressure requirements front/rear.

[buellwinkle]

I'm surpised by comments about a rough ride, mine rides very smooth. I was comparing it to a Mini which rides way harsher. As for handling, it's good enough for the price and size, it was never intended to be a sports car but some suspension tweaks can help of you want less lean. I think people think it leans more than it really does just because you are sitting so high, especially when compared to a low slung car like a Mini or Miata.

[SEEBURG200]

Originally Posted by Cruising n Coasting

I just sold my $400 Doug Thorley exhaust and decided to sell my K&N and the entire car on EBAY. It's the one that's a Passion triple black w/ HID.

In addition to the bug mentioned above, my first new car was a 1985 Honda Accord 5-spd with 86hp. It was 1,000lbs heavier and bigger than the SMART and I was able to chirp the tires with a modest 2500rpm launch and achieve 0-60 in 10 seconds without any mods. The tranny in this car is the REAL issue - it is a slug.

In addition, the ride is very rough and handles poorly. I would keep the car if I could fix the suspension problem, but I can't deal with feeling every single bump w/o the advantage of good handling (like that of a Supercharged Miata that I sold last year). The bumpy ride is not justified - no matter how good the mileage is.

If someone has a solution to the ride, please point me in the right direction - bc I love the gas mileage.

I have a hard time believing that this guy would be happy with anything. There are some people who always hate the car they have, and the car they just sold was better. If it was so good, why sell it?

I think if you accept that the transmission is not an automatic, and its not your normal manual transmission and that the feel is not like anything you ever had, then you will accept the ForTwo. But if you think the car will shift like a normal automatic, or the feel of a fully manual transmission, you will never be happy with the smart Fortwo. It stated before anyone buys it that it has only 71 horse power and gets to 60mph in 13 seconds, so accept it. If you ever drove a car with a short wheel base and the driver sit up high, like a Susuki Sidekick, or Samuri, then you know what to expect. Short wheel base cars feel all the bumps. I think that is part of the fun of driving it. You can try and add more horse power, you can try and add more springs, you can make the tires bigger, but then I think your missing the point. The smart fortwo isn't for everyone, and is not meant to be. I think if you don't like it, then the best thing for you to do is sell it. There are 80,000 others inline to get one.