We now have two Smart car's and love both of them. We got our first one in March and it is a Passion Coupe. We got the second one a few weeks ago and it is a Passion Cabrio. It is amazing the difference in how they drive.
First, the transmission in the newer Smart is amazingly smooth and much more responsive while the older one you have to do the crazy let your foot off the gas and let it shift routine. While I understand it was just a tweaking of the software, it almost feels like a redesign.
Second, the newer car has power steering and the older one does not. Power steering is worth every penny. You can actually weave in and out of traffic and parking spaces with the touch of a finger. Granted the non-power steering is not bad, but the power steering is so much more enjoyable to drive around the city and parking lots.
Third, Stereo 10 versus Stereo 9 - Granted niether are great, but #10 sounds so much better than #9, especially with the under seat sub-woofer
What is really odd is how much more stiff the Cabrio is in terms of body roll. Usually a cabrio is not as stiff as the non-Cabrio version, but that is not the case on this car. The only thing I can figure out is the roll-bar adds rigidity over the plastic roof. It also seems the Cabrio is more quiet than the hard top when running down the road with the top up and I must admit the overall quality of the Cabrio top with the headliner is excellent.
I have two also, first in February, second three weeks ago. Both Passions configured exactly the same. I must agree that the transmission shift points have changed and is extremely smoother than the 1st one. I was going to take the 1st back to the dealer but I am selling it in about a month as I am getting another new one, which should be similar to the 2nd. I'll let the buyer of the 1st have the software changed if they want.
We have a passion and a cabrio. No power steering. My radio 9 sounds better than her radio 10 since I changed out speakers. We love both of ours. Our poor 02 T-bird is a garage queen now. Gets driven once a week maybe.
Second, the newer car has power steering and the older one does not. Power steering is worth every penny. You can actually weave in and out of traffic and parking spaces with the touch of a finger. Granted the non-power steering is not bad, but the power steering is so much more enjoyable to drive around the city and parking lots.
The advantages (or lack) of EPS has been discussed quite a bit here. But, few owners can make a side by side comparison like yours. Many have said it isn't worth the price in such a small car. I have EPS and I'm glad to hear your opinion to verify I didn't waste my money for the feature.
Some of the few others who have been able to compare say the power steering makes the car less skittish at highway speeds. Do you concur?
When we got the first Non-EPS Smart, the Dealer made the same comment about not being able to tell any difference and so on. The local dealer did not have any cars with EPS on it back in February/March so we could not test drive and just had to go with what we were told.
Boy, were they wrong the car drives great at both highway and side street speed. The non-EPS, you physically have to turn the wheel while the EPS you can just flick it to make a lane change. The most noticeable difference is in parking lots and running in traffic on a side road.
I've not heard about this software change/upgrade. I'm assuming it provides better feeedback to the computer during driving to help compensate for turns, etc while driving.
How can you tell if you should ask the dealer to update this for you. We picked up our car in Sept. Is there a software rev code I can view on the display, etc?
...power steering-electric, as stated for 450$ is the only way to go...
for us at highway speed and then some, is more like point the nose to the top of the hill and it will remain there until commanded to do otherwise...and the feel is like you have to overcome a slight resistance,or brake overcenter ...know what I mean Vern! ......... need a drink...
First, the transmission in the newer Smart is amazingly smooth and much more responsive while the older one
Usually a cabrio is not as stiff as the non-Cabrio version, but that is not the case on this car. The only thing I can figure out is the roll-bar adds rigidity over the plastic roof.
Firstly, your old smart has probably learned your bad habits. Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes to reset the ECU.
The cabrio is stiffer, it has to be, so much has been taken away.
The underside has an X frame that the coupe doesn't have plus it has a lot of reinforcement in the tridion that the coupe doesn't. Overall it is stiffer but heavier.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Container_Guy
The non-EPS, you physically have to turn the wheel while the EPS you can just flick it to make a lane change.
EPS actually turns off over about 10 - 15 mph.
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I have two....both Pure's almost the same. (alarm on the black car) It's funny how different we view the same car. Now I drove a EPS car for only a few minutes at the dealer. I much prefer the feedback and, yes, MANUAL free of a non-EPS car! The car is so light and has a great R/P system that I actually like better. The black car I got in April and it is broken in well and drives better than the Bee....but the Bee only has 900 miles yet so I'd expect that. We like them well enough that the wife is looking at putting in a order for one! (passion for her BTW)
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