Smart Car questions - radio, speed, size, trunk space, interior, etc.

[Alberto]

is the radio 10 a good deal and is the upgraded HI-Fi package with subwoofer sound better that the stock 2 speakers? and would the smart be a good choice for its price

[SuperGeek]

Alberto: Your question is one that a lot of people have, and you may find a hundred threads with more information by searching for something like "radio" or "stereo". But in my experience, the Radio 10 with "sound system" upgrade is good enough, but still makes me wonder if I could have done better going to a sound shop. In my city I doubt anyone is equipped for a smart, so the factory upgrade was a "good enough" approach. I've been an audiophile for almost 20 years and I guarantee you won't hear the silky smooth sounds from Denon while the road and engine noises are present. Volume and bass response are pretty good for a factory install but only with the under-seat subwoofer. From the passenger seat the bass isn't as strong. The sound will blast through the plastic door panels and if I can feel the bass, cars around me can hear it.

The smart in general for the price? Yes, it's a very good choice - it won't win awards in any single category, but overall it's an amazing piece of engineering for the price. I've never loved a car so much in 17 years of driving. It goes beyond numbers, dollars, cents, gas mileage... it's actually fun to drive in manual mode. It's easy to drive in auto mode when I'm just waking up in the morning. I have options that I couldn't find in another car for twice the price. And I'm a celebrity now... it's practice for when my wife becomes a famous author next year. (shameless plug: The Worlds of Jeannie K. Holmes - Dark Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Thriller Author)

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by Alberto

is the radio 10 a good deal

There is really no way that anyone here can answer this for you. First of all no one here has your ears or knows how you listen to music. Personally I wouldn't get a upgrade radio from Smart, and instead get an aftermarket radio which not one would sound better, but also would give you more features. What you consider to be a 'good deal' - someone else might not. You'll find people here who like the radio 10, and other that wouldn't use it for a paperweight. It all depends on so many factors that no one can simply answer it correctly for you. Best to just sit down with your favorite CD and see how it sounds to you, and your ears. Listen to it for a while though, as your ears will need to adjust. Make sure the engine is running too, as that will factor into it (better yet, drive it while auditioning it). Do a google, Pioneer has some new radios that drop right into the Smart with a few kits. Very easy and in the end you'll have twice the sound for the same amount of money. Which ever way you go, best of luck and hoping happy music is in your future

[Alberto]

Is the smart car really slow? And what is the watts of the speakers and i like techno rap is the upgraded one with subwoofer good for this music?

[JPaul]

To all your questions, Alberto, any answer would be subjective.
For me, the car is a good deal, a very good deal; the stereo, upgraded to the smart sound system with subwoofer, is sufficient (I'm a Broadcaster) but for techno, I doubt it'll make you happy; and the car is fast enough that, with its cart-like behavior, one can handle most situations swiftly.
Welcome to the forum!

[angel]

Originally Posted by Alberto

Is the smart car really slow? And what is the watts of the speakers and i like techno rap is the upgraded one with subwoofer good for this music?

I've been up to 85 mph. Though I have heard scuttlebutt of others going faster.

Not a clue on the speaker wattage. Might try to use the search feature though.

[Dave Van]

Never had a speeding ticket in MANY years of driving....IF I get one it will be in the Smart!!! No ...it ain't a sports car....power to weight ratio is fine...and I own muscle cars so I have a point of reference.

[xcrew229x]

We have some EXTREMELY short freeway entrance ramps here in the Dayton Ohio area, and I've never had a problem getting up to speed. As far as speaker wattage, if you are asking, you need more..........

[SuperGeek]

Originally Posted by xcrew229x

We have some EXTREMELY short freeway entrance ramps here in the Dayton Ohio area, and I've never had a problem getting up to speed. As far as speaker wattage, if you are asking, you need more..........

... and more sound insulation. I can hear my music outside the car with the Radio 10 (premium "sound system" and subwoofer) set to level 10 out of like 40... Level 10's loud enough, and I can feel the bass, but so can the cars around me. Any higher and I'm afraid the doors will fall off.

[JPaul]

Radio 10 and sound system can be loud, but not "clean" loud: saturation if pushed too far. IMHO.