[smark]

Fun old review….

 

[Falcon WIng]

After watching this review....I decided to sell my 451 Cabrio (which I really liked), and find a 453 Cabrio... had it all done in just a few weeks...

 

[Rambo4]

You'll be glad you dropped the hammer. It's like the 2 Camaros in Transformers. Night and day difference. Going from a Mitsu power plant to a Renault turbo helps too.

 

[Earls smart car]

Went down the same road that you did, sold my 451 and bought a 453 with no regrets.

 

[jmartinsmart]

After 13 years with my 451, I upgraded to the 453... twice the car, easily.

Jim

 

[Falcon WIng]

After 13 years with my 451, I upgraded to the 453... twice the car, easily.

Jim

...but still the same length! The extra 4" of cabin room is noticeable, and the 27% increase in horsepower makes it entirely more useful, especially for highway driving.
Only trade off's for me were looks....as I think the 451 is more proportional, and I miss the storage cubbies around the steering wheel, I found those very useful.

 

[jmartinsmart]

...but still the same length! The extra 4" of cabin room is noticeable, and the 27% increase in horsepower makes it entirely more useful, especially for highway driving.
Only trade off's for me were looks....as I think the 451 is more proportional, and I miss the storage cubbies around the steering wheel, I found those very useful.

And the difference in transmission is wonderful... gone is the old herky-jerky manu-matic transmission, and in its place smooth shifting bliss.

I don't really miss the dash shelves, instead this car causes me to keep my cabin cleaner. But I do enjoy the new little drawer that opens up under the console, that's where I keep things now. The older glove box was a little larger, but this drawer makes up for it. And I don't know how I got along without this center armrest.

I actually prefer the new style body over the old 451, a little bit more pronounced hood, and I love my LED tail lights.

About the only complaint on my 453 is this stupid traction control system that kicks in at the most ridiculous times and scares the crap out of me. I bought the car with identical tires front and rear, and I'm sure that's triggering some calculations that throw the TCS on. As soon as these wear down, I'll pick up the correct tires for front and rear and hopefully this problem will go away.

 

[Laughing Crow]

Only trade off's for me were looks....as I think the 451 is more proportional, and I miss the storage cubbies around the steering wheel, I found those very useful.

I have always thought the 451 was a better-looking design

 

[smark]

Mechanical the 453 is a way better car. I prefer the 450, and 451 styling too. Both of them were a quirky designs. I like the European 453 Brabus smart car. especially trimmed out in mono colors. The alloy wheel, dual exhaust. The Ultimate Brabus it’s really sweet.

 

[jmartinsmart]

View attachment 68026

I was never really a fan of the Cabriolet... but I have to admit... that monochrome look is nice.
Jim

 

[lebikerboy]

We had a 450 cdi which was small, jerky, and under powered. Loved it though...
Bought a 453 ED which is not only more comfortable, rides better and feels like
a "real" car...