The SMART CAR OF AMERICA community is a social utility that connects you with fellow smart enthusiasts.
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
Do people think there are no highways, trucks and windy days in Europe? Or perhaps our standards are more lofty in an automotive sense in the USA?
I'm starting to see more and more SUVs over there too (don't ask what I think of SUVs).
I've spent a good deal of time in driving in Europe and believe me there are many Smart cars on the highway there and their drivers seem quite content.
... Or perhaps our standards are more lofty in an automotive sense in the USA? ...
I think the situation is that our standards are LOWER. In many parts of the world, Europe included, affording, owning, and operating a car is for many a privilege, and they are more involved with the process. Here, far too many people expect a motor vehicle to be an extension of their McMansion’s living/dining/family/media rooms – driving it is an unconscious secondary task, with the expectation that when they get into their accident situation there will be plenty of mass, mandated “safety” widgets, and air bags to protect them. And to hell with the other guy!
Last edited by Old smart; 01-08-2008 at 05:09 AM..
Well I think people in general have forgotten what cars in the past, like 40 years ago really drove like. Things are a lot safer now than they were to be sure. I dont usually drive my Corvairs in the rain or real windy days because they are light on the front end. I used to put 150lbs of sand bags in the front to help the steering. Get used to the way vehicles handle and dont exceed its or yours limitations. Heck, I ride a motorcycle too and I tell ya love bugs, cycadids (sp) and wind are not fun on it. heheheh
About one year ago, I rented a SMART Diesel at the Montreal, Canada Airport Avis. I drove from Montreal to Trois-Rivieres, then back (about 175 km, 2 hours, each way) and filled the tank with $12.00 (US) of diesel fuel. OK, not fast on the math, but 350 km on 9 liters of fuel was truly impressive. Also, this was during a snow storm on major highways with monster passing 18 wheelers, even though I was at 100km/hr... I was impressed with the stability, feeling of security and legroom in my vehicle. I was hooked, and still am..... I still Want One.......
ive got a set of snow chains for my smartie
no problem.
I was asking the question because a lot of what I've read seems to say the Smarts are urban vehicles. I just wanted to be sure I won't have problems on my longisg highway commute. I'd hate to buy a car and find out it doesn't do very well on the highway with all the big trucks, etc.
Each person has to answer for his/her own personal opinion.
I like it on the highway. Being a little narrower, it allows more leeway in a lane before encroaching the ajoining lane.
I left California and picked up my car in Columbia, MO., 2250mi. drove back in two days. Intended to rest up before leaving for Roseburg, OR. Found I didn't need to rest up, left later the same day, drove up to OR and returned the next day taking the scenic route.
I logged over 5000mi in approx two weeks.
I've have had several instances (on the freeway) where I really wonder if I might of have had an accident had I been in a different car.
Today
Linear Mode
