How can these cars be safe? Imagine getting rear ended or getting hit on the side. I don't understand how this car can be. Approved in us but a 1998 nissan skyline is not do too its low crash safety ratings? And the nissan is much bigger more metal. My rant!
smart cars
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It's just as safe and any micro-sized car like a Toyoto Echo or Honda Fit. We live in a new world where fuel economy is important. It's also dangerous to drive a bicycle on busy streets...
Safety has more to do with where the structure is and how it is designed than size. Look at the older Saabs and Volvos, never very big, but always some of the safest cars.
The smart car is safer than most cars from the 1990s. And quite a bit safer than a lot of SUV/trucks from the 2000's.
Do a search on youtube for smart car crash tests and be surprised.
While I'd NEVER have one and think they are silly they are SAFE (as a vehicle can be)
Bill
Do a search on youtube for smart car crash tests and be surprised.
While I'd NEVER have one and think they are silly they are SAFE (as a vehicle can be)
Bill
Here I'll save you some time...
(and this was one of the early ones)
Compared to a F150;
And getting hit on the side I'd rather be in a smart car compared to the F150.
Bill
(and this was one of the early ones)
Compared to a F150;
And getting hit on the side I'd rather be in a smart car compared to the F150.
Bill
Have you seen the crash test where they crash a smart car into a midsize sedan, like the camry? The smart is demolished.
Smart may have a strong passenger compartment cage, but I would still not want to be on the receiving end of this head-on crash:
The crumple zones are so small - there isn't much there to absorb the impact, so all the energy is going to have to be absorbed by your own body.
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
The crumple zones are so small - there isn't much there to absorb the impact, so all the energy is going to have to be absorbed by your own body.
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
Well consider a Van or something like a the Dodge Caravan, With multi row seating, With a minimal hood you have very little between you and what ever hits you (or you hit it) same goes for a rear impact. As for a side impact, I'm not sure that a Smart any narrower than any other compact car.
However, because of their small size they can have a lot more rigidity, and low weight brings less inertia into the impact.
Size is not everything.
Check out some of the crash tests on You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHpUO-S0i8
However, because of their small size they can have a lot more rigidity, and low weight brings less inertia into the impact.
Size is not everything.
Check out some of the crash tests on You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHpUO-S0i8
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Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
I think they are a waste. Poor MPG, cost too much for what you are getting, questionable support down the road and horrible in weather.
Poor choice for a vehicle.
Keep on her. Get something else. Even a over priced Mini would be a better choice if "cute" has to be on the table...
Take care, Bill
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
I think they are a waste. Poor MPG, cost too much for what you are getting, questionable support down the road and horrible in weather.
Poor choice for a vehicle.
Keep on her. Get something else. Even a over priced Mini would be a better choice if "cute" has to be on the table...
Take care, Bill
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Keep on her. Get something else. Even a over priced Mini would be a better choice if "cute" has to be on the table...
She was in love with the Mini, until I showed her what the interior looks like... lol.
Right now it's a toss up between Audi A4 or a slightly used BMW 5-series.
Keep on her. Get something else. Even a over priced Mini would be a better choice if "cute" has to be on the table...
She was in love with the Mini, until I showed her what the interior looks like... lol.
Right now it's a toss up between Audi A4 or a slightly used BMW 5-series.
I agree with Bill, unfortunately the U.S. did not get the Diesel version, and they are over priced But compared to what?
I guess we have to get it out of our heads that size does not necessarily equate to $.
The reason for the Smarts being is to have a car that is Parkable in an urban area. Where i live we already have designated parking for these Extra short vehicles.
If you live in a Big City THAT could make a difference.
I would feel safe in one, more so than in some larger or older vehicles.
I guess we have to get it out of our heads that size does not necessarily equate to $.
The reason for the Smarts being is to have a car that is Parkable in an urban area. Where i live we already have designated parking for these Extra short vehicles.
If you live in a Big City THAT could make a difference.
I would feel safe in one, more so than in some larger or older vehicles.
I agree with Bill and I have test driven one. They are overpriced for what you get and who knows if Smart will even be around in the US in 5 years to support their vehicles.
They are nothing more than a trendy car you use to make a statement.
They are nothing more than a trendy car you use to make a statement.
They do have some good uses. I could see big developers using them as subdivision runabouts. Or down south seniors could use them in those huge subs they have in Florida.
Kinda like a glorified street legal golf cart.
I'd never ride in one on a limited acess highway though. Human beings bouncing around inside a very strong cage does not make for a safe high speed car.
Kinda like a glorified street legal golf cart.
I'd never ride in one on a limited acess highway though. Human beings bouncing around inside a very strong cage does not make for a safe high speed car.
Not for everybody, but clearly, not for no one.
Parking where I work is tough, I have shoe horned my car into spots many others were forced to drive by.
Parking where I work is tough, I have shoe horned my car into spots many others were forced to drive by.
I will take that f-150 over the dumb... i mean smart car.
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Smart cars are a freakin joke!
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
I think both of Bill's comments hit dead on. I am no fan of micro (or even small) cars. BUT! If I were to hit the big lotto, I'd build a race track on my property and instead of Go-Carts - I'd have Smart cars! That would be a blast!
Here you go!
and for our offroader types...
I think both of Bill's comments hit dead on. I am no fan of micro (or even small) cars. BUT! If I were to hit the big lotto, I'd build a race track on my property and instead of Go-Carts - I'd have Smart cars! That would be a blast!
Here you go!
and for our offroader types...
Originally Posted By: Troy_Built
I will take that f-150 over the dumb... i mean smart car.
Ad if you hit a cement wall or something I'll make sure they put akoolaid Ford sticker on your casket...
Some people can't handle the truth..
Thank fully Ford FIXED their poorly built truck to a point where it is MUCH safer..
I will take that f-150 over the dumb... i mean smart car.
Ad if you hit a cement wall or something I'll make sure they put a
Some people can't handle the truth..
Thank fully Ford FIXED their poorly built truck to a point where it is MUCH safer..
What do you have aganist Ford, Bill?
You seembiased I mean, turned to GM.
You seem
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