[MikeM]

Do all smart for twos have the same engine/horse power?

 

[jwight]

All the North American ICE 451s and 453s do - other markets had other options.

 

[jetfuel]

…in the US yes…
451’s = 52-54 RWHP tops

Jetfuel…but it can change..

 

[Miss Mercedes]

2008 - 2015 (451) years were advertised as making 70 hp in America.

2016 - 2017 (453) make 89 hp.

If you're a lucky one with a car older than 2008 (a 450), you're likely either making 60 hp if it's a gasser or 40 hp if it's a diesel from Canada. Like Jet said, you lose some power on the way to the ground.

 

[smark]

Mouse powered.

 

[1983JZR3W]

Would a rear or mid engine car lose less % of power to the rear wheels than a front engine car would?

 

[jetfuel]

old geezer…get your glasses and a warm blanket over your legs and have a good read…

Drivetrain Power Loss - The 15% "Rule"- Modified Magazine

Understanding drivetrain power loss, or how the clutch, gearbox, diff, shafts, et al leach away horsepower and whether the “15% rule” is indeed universal

www.motortrend.com

jetfuel…right behind you

 

[1983JZR3W]

Thank you, that was a very interesting article and the blankie did help a lot. I guess, as I understand it, it really does not make a lot of difference between front, rear, or mid-engine placement. There are way more contributing factors as the article pointed out.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Just be glad that we're no longer in the days of gross horsepower!

I have a weekly column where I find some neat cars for sale across the country. Each car gets a paragraph or a few about its history and specs. It hits a little different when you find a vintage something with a chunky V8 making, oh, 300 hp, then remember that since that is gross hp before all kinds of losses it's really putting down significantly less to the wheels.

 

[Guy C.]

I have a 2016 453 with the 89hp engine. It is great - plenty of power and adequate room. I test drove a 451 70hp and it felt like it had less pep and also felt much smaller. The 453 also has a supported towing mode, which I also needed for towing with an RV. Smart cars are great - wish they were still offered in the US. Maybe the crazy gas prices will bring them back.

 

[Joannie]

I have a 2016 453 with the 89hp engine. It is great - plenty of power and adequate room. I test drove a 451 70hp and it felt like it had less pep and also felt much smaller. The 453 also has a supported towing mode, which I also needed for towing with an RV. Smart cars are great - wish they were still offered in the US. Maybe the crazy gas prices will bring them back.

I have a 2016 453 with the 89hp engine. It is great - plenty of power and adequate room. I test drove a 451 70hp and it felt like it had less pep and also felt much smaller. The 453 also has a supported towing mode, which I also needed for towing with an RV. Smart cars are great - wish they were still offered in the US. Maybe the crazy gas prices will bring them back.

I have a lightweight aluminum trailer that I put my '09 Smart on to tow behind my rv. Don't even know it's there, it's so light.