smart value

[tivoboy]

one thing to consider about premium vs. regular is the configuration of the engine. Losing performance may be a certainty, even for engines with the proper knock sensors and dynamic engine management systems. You may LOST horsepower, but it will the engine will adjust and keep knocks to a low. But, if there is NOT a knock sensor and proper engine management system, not only will one get knocks but also less than optimal engine running. Performance will most likely be a reduction when going down to regular anyways.

So, my thinking is, the smart and other cars ask for premium, because they know they don't have the more advance EM to adjust for lower octane fuels.

[mmmeat]

Originally Posted by jwight

Meat - 300 cars! Wow, you must really be old.

Naah. ADD + cash = 300 cars

Your pal,
Meat.

[Pineer]

I've owned vw's way back since purchased a brand new Squareback. Then it was a couple of Rabbits and most recently a '92 Golf which I purchased used and drove for 14 years. Would have gotten another vw 'cuz I like them but they don't export fuel efficient models to the US so after all these years we parted company. I'm loving my smart Passion - really fun to drive and easy on gas. If you Google 'vw polo' you'll see that in Europe you can buy a vw and get 50+ miles per gallon with clean diesel.

[tivoboy]

Originally Posted by xjamesx

oh and lastly, i have a new bug as well. gets 33 MPG and is turbo. runs great. cant wait to see how my Smart does on the road and in the garage next to both of them...
james

wow, is that on a diesel turbo bug? For gas, that would be about 45% better than the new government ratings for that vehicle? What year and model are you getting such mileage with the bug?

[xjamesx]

no, its a '01 gas bug. no mods. just a standard 1.8 turbo motor with 85k miles...

my old bug is a '63 with a 1600 dual port/single carb stock motor. i like driving the old one better but it is not the best at 70 MPH on my highway commute and when i park in the city where i work it seems to be a magnet for people hitting it parallel parking....

[JIM VINYARD]

VEE-DUB'S are great, I have a 1968 bug show car that I"ve had for 30 years and have shown it several times over the years. The engine is a 1600 cc built to 1968 cc with Weber carbs. Custom velour interior. Disc brakes all around, and tricked out transmission.
All modifications except the interior was accomplished by myself including body work and finishing.

[parnami]

I had a 67 bug which I loved. BUT, I never considered it particualrly reliable, well made or economical. I recall having to replace the master cylinder almost annually and brake cylinders regularly. The heater sucked, and in order to get enough air from the defroster to clear the windshield you had to go FAST! But it was fun, nonetheless!

Gas mileage I recall to be in the mid 20's, no better, even on long drives down 95.

[Rubik]

Remember that in Europe, most gas has higher octane than here in the US.
According to http://www.petrolprices.com/about-fuel.html ordinary unleaded is 95 RON (90-91 octane here). Take a look at the micro- and other subcompacts at http://www.cars-of-europe.com/ and you'll find that most require high octane fuel. Here in the states, marketing has put the "Premium" moniker (and premium price) on this hyrdrocarbon-chemistry difference. And "Plus" unleaded is a complete sham.