Power steering Yes/No?

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by pabille

My friend and I ordered ours without PS. With 195/50s on 6" Rials up front, mine is still nimble and easy to maneuver.

This is a little off-topic, but I've been toying with putting 195/50s all the way around with the Rials. How long have you been running this setup and how do you like it? Any noticeable MPG difference? How about handling? Any difference in buffeting behind large trucks or wind gusts? Any rubbing or other issues to think about? Lastly, what about ride quality? Any noticeable change? Please forgive the inquisition! I don't really have problems with any of the above, but any slight improvement might help justify the purchase beyond being able to rotate tires.

Back on topic: I don't have PS in my car either and haven't missed it. I had two smarts for a while, one with and one without. After driving my non-PS car for a while, I had to move the other car at low speeds and I could tell the difference, but not enough to make me want a smart with PS.

[saronian]

I have the power steering and it doesn't make much of a difference. But after reading all the details in the technical manual I'm amazed how sophisticated it is. It gave me a new appreciation for the engineering that went into the design. Part of it's programming is to help maintain the wheel at center while going down the road.

[Padawan]

I've driven both, and bought an orphan with power steering (came with the comfort package). I like the way it feels, but I think I'd trade it for fog lamps if I had the chance.