How do SMART handle in the snow/ice

Eztarget · 05-19-2008, 01:07 PM

Hello all,

I live in Ithaca, NY which is quite hilly and of course quite snowy in the winter months. I was just wondering if any SMART owners live in a wintery climate and how their cars perform in wintery conditions. I'm not expecting to bash through 2 feet of snow but more looking for how they handle a snowy day or ice. I notice they are rear wheel drive and have always been hesitant of cars that are RWD in winter weather.

Broken Kid · 05-19-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eztarget

Hello all,

I live in Ithaca, NY which is quite hilly and of course quite snowy in the winter months. I was just wondering if any SMART owners live in a wintery climate and how their cars perform in wintery conditions. I'm not expecting to blash through 2 feet of snow but more looking for how they handle a snowy day or ice. I notice they are rear wheel drive and have always been hesitant of cars that are RWD in winter weather.

Hi Ez. I live in Rochester, so I'm keeping my 4WD SUV when I get my smart (hopefully tomorrow). But it's good to point out that, even though it's rear-wheel drive, the engine is in the rear. So that's where all the weight is. The dealer in Buffalo told me they got to drive the heck out of the cars when they got theirs in January/February, and they did about as good as any car in the snow.

Of course, they're light, so getting traction will be an issue in real snow. I probably will drive it until December and then keep to my truck for a couple months. Yet another thing to hate about winter!

mnext02 · 05-19-2008, 01:29 PM

I am in MN.
Will I be able to whip sh*tties?

Eztarget · 05-19-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken Kid

Hi Ez. I live in Rochester, so I'm keeping my 4WD SUV when I get my smart (hopefully tomorrow). But it's good to point out that, even though it's rear-wheel drive, the engine is in the rear. So that's where all the weight is. The dealer in Buffalo told me they got to drive the heck out of the cars when they got theirs in January/February, and they did about as good as any car in the snow.

Of course, they're light, so getting traction will be an issue in real snow. I probably will drive it until December and then keep to my truck for a couple months. Yet another thing to hate about winter!

Thanks BK. How long of a wait did you have for yours? I assume you bought it at the Buffalo dealer since there aren't many dealers in that area.

I have an old 1997 Jeep Wrangler I'd be replacing which I could just break out on BAD winter days I guess. And the beauty of it would be I could probably fit BOTH of them in one car garage bay back to back!

Broken Kid · 05-19-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eztarget

Thanks BK. How long of a wait did you have for yours? I assume you bought it at the Buffalo dealer since there aren't many dealers in that area.

I have an old 1997 Jeep Wrangler I'd be replacing which I could just break out on BAD winter days I guess. And the beauty of it would be I could probably fit BOTH of them in one car garage bay back to back!

I ordered mine 5/29/07, and I'm picking it up 5/20/08 (yep, from the dealer in Buffalo)...so 356 days! Not bad...most people seem to be right around that year mark. At least, those of us not lucky enough to get an orphan. Still, I don't care...I want MY car, not someone else's. ;)

I think in upstate NY, you still need that winter car. I wouldn't feel too confident in any lightweight car in some of our snowstorms. Especially where you are, with all the hills! Still, I love Ithaca...it would be a fun and scenic trip in the smart!

**jwight** · 05-19-2008, 01:57 PM

would have returned this:

451 in the snow!!

Eztarget · 05-19-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

would have returned this:

Yeah but then I wouldn't have met Broken Kid to talk about SMART in our area! ;)

parnami · 05-19-2008, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

would have returned this:

Smart Car of America - Smart Car Fortwo Forums

While I understand your reasoning for recommending the "search" option, fact is, at this point, we've just about covered every topic imaginable regarding smartcars. In other words, if all you want is for people to "search past boards" you might as well CLOSE up to new ones!

I read those rehashed threads with almost the same interest I did the first time through. Different people provide different opinions.

For some people, old threads regarding a topic also, possibly, will provide OLD information regarding it. For this reason, when I have a question regarding my car, when I get it, it's likely I'll post a NEW thread regarding the issue if I"ve not seen activity on it for several weeks. The cars and ownership experience is still brand new and evolving. That being the case, it's not unreasonable for responses made two months ago to be different today.

So, I guess what I'm asking, suggestiing if, if you don't want new discussions for topics covered in the past, CLOSE UP THE VENUE! Otherwise, get used to people asking them over and over and over!