I saw the coolest little car this morning on my way to work. I was right beside it at a light. Check it out:

http://www.thesmart.co.uk/smart_range/cars/coupe/index.asp

They are a subsidiary of Daimler-Chrysler. It was a dark metallic gray. Pretty neat. Everyone around it was staring at it. It was a middle aged guy driving it and seats two. It looked like it had European plates on it. The tires where about the size of a typical steering wheel. I'd personally feel little more protected than riding a motorcylce, but at least you're inside from the weather...lol. I'd hate to see what an SUV would do to one of those little things. Probably bounce it off the road like a pinball. ;) It was physically about half the length of my Jetta.

I wonder if those are going to be the new "Bugs" of the 21st century???.... ;)

Saw lots of those things when we were in Europe last year. Great little vehicle for congested European cities, narrow European streets, and short European inter-city distances. Not sure if they're particularly suited to the American environment, however.

Those little guys really catch your eye. I first saw one in France in 1998!! They make perfect sense for all the reasons 'eccles' mentioned....

Also, they are much smaller than Volkswagen Bugs they are more the size of a golf cart.. probably smaller.. rofl..

ohh man is that bad

the smart = the suck :confused:

I'd rather ride a motorcycle (which I do anyway). The superior handling, stopping and acceleration of a motorcycle would be of more use in avoiding an acceident.

If you actually GET in an accident, however, you're screwed either way. But a motorcyle is a HELL of a lot more fun until then!

If you think the SMART is cool you haven't seen the SMART ROADSTER:
http://217.110.182.252/roadster/static/jpgs/gallery05_main.jpg

Originally posted by Schneegz
I'd rather ride a motorcycle (which I do anyway). The superior handling, stopping and acceleration of a motorcycle would be of more use in avoiding an acceident.

If you actually GET in an accident, however, you're screwed either way. But a motorcyle is a HELL of a lot more fun until then!

yeah, but fore the average urban dweller, where you're predominantly going at very low speeds along with everyone else in a terribly crowded and conjested area, that superior maneuverability wouldn't help much, and the Smart would at least have a roof for when it rains, and a heater for when it's cold... but if you're comfy with the crotch rocket, why not?? it is more fun/faster than 99.9999% of cars out there anyways.

Originally posted by wakeech


yeah, but fore the average urban dweller, where you're predominantly going at very low speeds along with everyone else in a terribly crowded and conjested area, that superior maneuverability wouldn't help much, and the Smart would at least have a roof for when it rains, and a heater for when it's cold... but if you're comfy with the crotch rocket, why not?? it is more fun/faster than 99.9999% of cars out there anyways.

would seem to me that maneuverability would help especially in crowded/congested places. squeezing into that parking slot wiht an expedition taking up 1/3 of your spot. oh and there is a HUGE difference in riding a bike and having a windshield infront of you. 70F is but ass cold if you don't have any sort of wind breaker on you while riding a bike, but it's just dandy in any car.

Yeah the Smart Roadster is very cool! I was thinking about getting one for my first car because it has very low insurance group, until i found out how much they were! £13000! They are cool but terribly overpriced.

Gotta Go T-Rex for the kewl factor. Its a 3 wheeler!

http://www.ccpc.net/~jaho/images/jmp/rex9.jpg
http://www.ccpc.net/~jaho/images/jmp/rex2.jpg


Vehicle type: mid-engine, rear-wheel-dnve, 2-passenger,
0-door motor-tricycle
Price as tested: $25,000
Engine type: DOHC 16-valve,4 -in-line, aluminum block and
4x1-bbl 36mm Mikuni carburetors
Displacement ------------------------------- 66 cu in, 1074cc
Power (SAE net) ------------------------------ 155 bhp @ 9500
Torque (SAE net). ------------------------------ 79 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Transmission ----------------------------- 5-speed sequential
Wheelbase ----------------------------------------------------- 90.0
Length -------------------------------------------------------- 137.0
Zero to 60 mph -----------------------------------------------4. 4sec
Zero to 100 mph ------------------------------------------10 .4 sec
Street start, 5 to 60 mph ------------------------------ 5 .1 sec
Standing 1/4 -mile ---------------------------13.0 sec @ 101mph
Top speed (drag limited) ------------------------ 123 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph -----------------------------167 ft
Roadholding 300-ft-dia skidpad ------------------------------ 0.86 g

oh yeah? well maybe we can stuff a renesis in the SMART and that'll smoke this t-rex. oh wait, the renesis might be too big for the SMART :p

oh wow they have a brabus version of the smart, too, w/ 74 turbocharged horses. oh boy. i wonder how safe it is