smarties can't climb hills!

[NCC1701]

One of the guys I work with read "somewhere" about a smart not being able to climb a hill on an ordinary road. And, he's spread the word to at least one other co-worker. It's the kind of internet junk that we're all familiar with, and has found a couple willing recipients here.

I'm starting this thread primarily for their benefit.

I live in Florida (flat) and haven't personally driven on anything other than small hills. But, I know some members live in mountainous areas. Could you please speak up. Tell us the smart can climb a mountain. No ice, just a normal steep mountain grade. I've seen 17° in Colorado (not in my smart) and I have a hard time believing the smart couldn't handle that grade. Anyone have experience with grades greater than 17°? Thanks.

[BigWarpGuy]

Here in central New Jersey, there is only small hills. I think there are Smarts in very hilly areas. I hope some one from those areas would post a reply or go try it on a mountain.

[forestacademy]

THeir are more than a few Smarts getting around SF. THat should say something

[PeteInLongBeach]

The smart's primary market has been Europe for the last 10 years, home of the Alps, the Pyrenees, and countless other steep mountain passes. Could they market a car that could not handle such roads?

I've had my car go over The Grapevine in California, and up the steep streets of San Francisco - no problem keeping up with ambient traffic.

Look at all the other 3-cylinder cars out there, and you don't see them targeted with such ridiculous rumours (Subaru Justy, Suzuki Metro, Daihatsu Charade, etc).

'Nuff said?

[Duckhunter]

IN El Paso we have Franklin Mountain to cross to get to the other side of town and the little car climbs it very well.

[JPaul]

I first sat in a smart in my home country, where the car was first conceived: Switzerland. Does it has enough hills and mountains?...

[jwight]

Highest point in Ohio is a hill, 1,549 feet above sea level, East of Bellefontaine. Don't think that counts.

[BigWarpGuy]

It would be neat to see if a Smart could climb Mt Washington NH.


In the gallery, there is a photo of all those Smarts on Lombard st.

[Old smart]

I followed a 40hp CDI diesel from Banff, AB to Golden, BC on Trans-Canada 1, up and over Kicking Horse Pass. The smart got into Golden about a half-mile ahead of me in the rental PT Cruiser I was driving.

[BigWarpGuy]

It is one of those times one would wish for a dash cam to record the weather and what is ahead; like the Smart Fortwo(?).