Joined
·
646 Posts
I'ma gonna just leave this one alone...
It ain't making ICE owners ecstatic, but here is what AutoWeek said about the ED version
"
What's it like to drive?
The internally combusting Fortwo's powertrain is hobbled by a gearbox widely regarded as one of the most soul-destroying pieces of power-transmission equipment ever installed in a motor vehicle. And for such a tiny, tiny thing, the mileage isn't all that stellar. The cavernous-by-comparison Prius v will ace the gas Smart's EPA numbers under real-world conditions. A TDI Volkswagen will, too. And those are all like, real cars, with nice manuals or snot-slick twin-clutch transmissions.
Look beyond the techy fuel-miser class and even conventional four-place gasoline-powered models feature matching EPA numbers. But the Smart ED? It's really what this little car was born to be in the first place. Daimler designed it from the outset to accept either a fuel-burning or electric powertrain, so the battery isn't wedged in somewhere the engineers could find space. Like the Tesla Model S, the Fortwo carries its cells under your feet, keeping the center of gravity low.
That, combined with rear-wheel drive and a short wheelbase makes for a surprisingly compelling cornering experience.
Power proved absolutely adequate in the cut-and-thrust of San Francisco traffic. While the 11.5-second 0-60 time won't burnish any Don Garlits dreams, acceleration is rapid enough to avoid catastrophe -- pretty much all 96 lb-ft of torque are available whenever you need them.
Honestly, the only real gripe I had was with the pedal positioning and feel. Something about it led to a tired ankle after about 30 minutes in city traffic."
Smart Fortwo Electric Drive drive review - Autoweek
True, but what you just said is an honest and fair opinion. You don't like the transmission because you just don't like it. You don't need to justify what you do or don't like just as you can have a preference for yellow over blue or red over green.That may very well be true. I am totally open minded about the gas version, bring on the quotes from other recognized automobile authorities.
I've driven the gas version on several occasions, even considered leasing one on the $99/month program. I didn't care for it for the same reason I don't care for BMW's SMG transmissions. Doesn't make it bad if you like those, just not my cup of tea.
Impossible.But by the time you hit redline in 1st gear, the smart EV is already up to 60!![]()
That's what the spec sheet says. I'm confident that if they were put on a test track, the EV is capable of far better. The issue with the EV is that its max boost will not always function at full capacity so they cannot over-promise and under-deliver. I'm HIGHLY confident the EV is more than a full second faster to 60. During ideal situations, I'm suggesting the smart EV is much faster in pure straight line acceleration.Impossible.The ED is only a second faster to 60 than the petrol model.
![]()
But by the time you hit redline in 1st gear, the smart EV is already up to 60!![]()
There were really no early adopters to speak of.and they were charging $599 a month just last year to lease these? I wonder what Smart will do for these early adopters. It's kind of punishing to be first, but you gotta admit if not for them, we may not have this 3rd generation.
You only get 300 miles on a tank? That would make me sad...And by the time the hard accelerated EV hits 60 miles and runs out of juice, I will be at 80 with another 220 miles to go.
Tale of the Turtle and the Hare, slow and steady wins the race.![]()
You only get 300 miles on a tank? That would make me sad...![]()
While the financial details and lease specifics are unknown, Gen II early adopters were "upgraded" to Gen III with the roll out last year.I wonder what Smart will do for these early adopters.