Yes, we have all seen them driving around town. The Smart Car, but is it really that smart to drive one. What if you are in an accident? How will it stack up against a larger car or truck? After watching the video below I have to say I’m impressed, but still not sold on the idea of driving in something I can barely fit it. How many grocery bags can you actually fit in this thing. Enough about the space, what about the safety. I did find this quote from an article on msnbc.com.
Still, in an accident, “the laws of physics can’t be repealed,” said Russ Rader of the Arlington, Va.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Even with modern safety features like multiple air bags, people in small, light cars are always at a disadvantage in crashes.”
Understanding both views I would still rather take my chances in a larger car. This is a great time for cars and we are seeing some very cool alternatives to the gas engine. I just prefer my electric car to be a little larger.
Small car??? You must be losing it man!! C’mon, I’m sure you’ve been to your share of circus acts… Do you not remember the clowns coming out of their car?? How many could they have been, at least 15?? I’m telling you, small cars will roam this Earth, man!! Quote me on this!!!
Yes, the car is small. On the outside.
Just get inside one and you’ll get loads of space. I actually have 2 models. One from 2002 and the other, the newest version from 2007. I’m about average build, but I have seen very big people praising the room a car like that has. I actually know this guy who is almost 2 meters tall and he still has some headroom left. Surely not many cars can praise that.
As for storage, it is quite clever. It’s almost a rectangular box in the back, so the space is maximized. No curves, no weird lines, no clunk and no plastics all over.
As for safety, sure a bigger car could protect you more in a collision (some may), but should you roll over, most cars behave very poorly. The smart car, by not having a chassis but an “egg” like structure instead, is sturdy all around. It’s like having a rollbar installed. A friend of mine crashed, rolled and dragged his convertible very badly and walked away with only minor bruises (very minor indeed). Another friend of mine is a part-time fireman and usually handles bad crashes and also operates the saws. He says he’s seen a few smart cars in very bad accidents and never major injuries.
It is actually quite though and should you have the side airbags it’s even better.
Also, the ESP system is quite good. It’s almost impossible to skid. A few weeks ago I caught this very nasty patch of ice on the road and the car went sideways like hell… only to be promptly corrected.
I’m sticking to my babies, and probably will be getting a roadster next year.
Besides, both my cars are diesel. The older one gets me less that 4 liters per 100 km.