NationStates Jolt Archive


Smallest Car in the World?

Homieville
11-08-2005, 23:15
The smallest car in the world is Smart for two the safety of the car is bad and is found in Europe and Canada did anyone ever see a smaller car like this?Comments
This is the For Two Smart
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/Smart%20Car.jpg

This is the For Four Smart
http://www.energiesmag.com/images/articles/salon-geneve2004/dossier4x4/Smart%204x4-400.jpg
Sinuhue
11-08-2005, 23:17
Your point is?

A motorbike is not particularly safe.

A Firefly is not particularly safe.

The smartcar is tiny and not particularly safe when driving around huge Ford pickups and Humvees.

But all are pretty good on gas, small enough to make parking in the city possible, and cleaner than a huge SUV. If I lived in an urban centre and really needed to drive rather than bicycle or take transit, (and didn't have to haul kids around) this would be the car I'd buy.
Bunnyducks
11-08-2005, 23:21
Alternatively, you could get the Smart Roadster. It has this hHUGE 1.4 liter V6 bi-turbo block. Takes you to your grave faster.
Smart Roadster (http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/concept-cars/smart-roadster-coupe-v6-turbo-024383.php)
The Tribes Of Longton
11-08-2005, 23:24
The smallest car in the world is Smart for two the safety of the car is bad and is found in Europe and Canada. Comments

http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/Smart%20Car.jpg
My mate has the smart roadster. That thing can fucking fly, and it has boot space in the front and rear. :eek: :)

Anyway, the smart car is pretty good for safety isn't it? I mean, 5th Gear fired it into a concrete wall at 70mph and the cockpit was intact while the rest of the car acted as a crumple-zone. :confused:

Besides, I think my car should contest that small car place...let the shameless plugging of my behemoth of a car fill the pages of the internet, bwah ha! Oh, you can't see this. Damn.

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/658/10002330gx.jpg :D
Defuniak
11-08-2005, 23:25
i've seen a car that was small enough to pull around, and would seat 1 person.
Achtung 45
11-08-2005, 23:29
Isn't that the car Andy Rooney drove around and perpendicular parked it? :p
Sumamba Buwhan
11-08-2005, 23:30
I like it. For my job I need to carry around a lot of stuff though so it wouldn't be practical for me.
Poliwanacraca
11-08-2005, 23:31
The smallest car in the world is Smart for two the safety of the car is bad and is found in Europe and Canada did anyone ever see a smaller car like this?Comments


Smart cars are nifty. I wish we had them in the U.S. - they're fuel efficient, easy to navigate, easy to find parking for, and even kinda cute. The only problem with having them here would be having Hummers run right over you. :rolleyes:
Poliwanacraca
11-08-2005, 23:32
Isn't that the car Andy Rooney drove around and perpendicular parked it? :p

Yup. :)
Nadkor
11-08-2005, 23:47
The smallest car in the world is Smart for two the safety of the car is bad and is found in Europe and Canada did anyone ever see a smaller car like this?Comments

http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/Smart%20Car.jpg
Smarts are actually pretty safe...see that silvery bit? That's part of the safety cell. As has already been said, one was sent at 70mph into a concrete wall and the cell survived more or less intact...the occupants would only have been killed because of the G forces, and that would happen in pretty much any car (and would be more likely in a larger car with more momentum)

Nifty wee cars, if pretty slow.
Spookistan and Jakalah
11-08-2005, 23:58
The first one I saw was actually in Atlanta, GA about two years ago. I didn't know what it was until I saw them in the UK.
Bolol
12-08-2005, 00:04
The smallest car in the world is Smart for two the safety of the car is bad and is found in Europe and Canada did anyone ever see a smaller car like this?Comments

http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/Smart%20Car.jpg

At this point, one of my lady friends would probably be going...

"KAWAII!!! :D"

But...I don't do that...thankfully...
Free Arms
12-08-2005, 00:14
Smart cars are nifty but i find the prototype hydrogen cars more intresting.
Brians Test
12-08-2005, 00:19
It looks slightly safer than a motorcycle.

How much do they cost, and what kind of gas-mileage do they get?
Grampus
12-08-2005, 00:23
Smart cars seem massive to me compared to Isseta's or Heinkels.
Letila
12-08-2005, 00:40
That is one tiny car.
Boonytopia
12-08-2005, 00:42
We get them here too. They're pretty exxy for their size though.
Goldcrownland
12-08-2005, 02:48
i've seen a car that was small enough to pull around, and would seat 1 person.love the car I have the for two and it fits pretty well for me the 190 lbs fat boy
Goldcrownland
12-08-2005, 02:57
It looks slightly safer than a motorcycle.

How much do they cost, and what kind of gas-mileage do they get?
the one you see there cost me 7999.£-euro so about 9500 $-usd and transport to the US about another 2000 $ of ship or you can get the for four smart just for 1000£ more and theirs four doors and slightly bigger
TearTheSkyOut
12-08-2005, 03:36
ah! I've wanted one of those for a while.... more for cosmetic reasons than anything... heh ^_^
Naturality
12-08-2005, 03:40
Smart cars are nifty. I wish we had them in the U.S. - they're fuel efficient, easy to navigate, easy to find parking for, and even kinda cute. The only problem with having them here would be having Hummers run right over you. :rolleyes:

I'd be more worried about coming in contact with an 18-wheeler on the intersate than a Hummer, but Truckers are usually good drivers. I'd take my chances. It's a nice little car, it seems.
Rotovia-
12-08-2005, 03:42
I'd get it namely because in my job it pays to have nifty little gagets to talk about.
Kroisistan
12-08-2005, 03:43
I love those cars! Saw them in Europe when I went there a few years ago, they are just so cool. It must get amazing gas mileage too.
Naturality
12-08-2005, 03:52
the one you see there cost me 7999.£-euro so about 9500 $-usd and transport to the US about another 2000 $ of ship or you can get the for four smart just for 1000£ more and theirs four doors and slightly bigger


Not bad, thing to worry about is how much it would cost to get it worked on. Same with Hybrids. I'd really like to have a hybrid. Maybe in a few years when t enough people have driven them for few years and know how they hold up under pressure, what messes up and how much repairs are, I might get one.
Via Ferrata
12-08-2005, 03:57
The smallest car in the world is Smart for two the safety of the car is bad and is found in Europe and Canada did anyone ever see a smaller car like this?Comments


Yep, Polish cars. While Smart is safe, the neocommunist cars aren't. Better stayed out of Europe and joined the US, let them pay you.
THE LOST PLANET
12-08-2005, 04:02
Tiny Cars are nothing new, there was a rash of them in the late 50's and early 60's, BMW Issetta's and Fiat 500's were about the same size and their safety features were non existant. The Issetta had one door...the whole front of the car, imagine trying to get out of that if you wrecked.
OHidunno
12-08-2005, 04:08
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/shaakti/bmwisetta.jpg

The BMW Isetta. Designed by a fridge-making company.

And like a fridge, the door is at the front of the cat. It seats one person. And there's a safety hatch at the back of the car incase of a front collision.

I love it. It's adorable in an ugly kind of way.
THE LOST PLANET
12-08-2005, 04:11
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/shaakti/bmwisetta.jpg

The BMW Isetta. Designed by a fridge-making company.

And like a fridge, the door is at the front of the cat. It seats one person. And there's a safety hatch at the back of the car incase of a front collision.

I love it. It's adorable in an ugly kind of way.I saw a picture of one once that had been hot-rodded, they put a corvair flat six and transaxle in the back, the wheels were completely outside the body. It had wheelie bars and needed them.
Poliwanacraca
12-08-2005, 04:11
The BMW Isetta. Designed by a fridge-making company.

And like a fridge, the door is at the front of the cat. It seats one person. And there's a safety hatch at the back of the car incase of a front collision.

I love it. It's adorable in an ugly kind of way.

Aw, it's so cute!
OHidunno
12-08-2005, 04:13
I saw a picture of one once that had been hot-rodded, they put a corvair flat six and transaxle in the back, the wheels were completely outside the body. It had wheelie bars and needed them.

Hahah,

I still think my favourite idiotic car would be the three-wheeler that Mr. Bean hates so much. Hahaha.
Reubenopolis
12-08-2005, 04:20
Smart cars are nifty. I wish we had them in the U.S. - they're fuel efficient, easy to navigate, easy to find parking for, and even kinda cute. The only problem with having them here would be having Hummers run right over you. :rolleyes:

i was recently in germnay and talked to a guy at amercedes display and he said they are planning to release smart cars in 07 depending on sales
Homieville
12-08-2005, 14:36
In Poland people show off wit the car donuts and the thing wont roll over
Homieville
12-08-2005, 14:37
Plus the gas for the car is 50 miles per gallon
Zouloukistan
12-08-2005, 14:42
The BMW Isetta was smaller. It was originally a fridge, but the design was a little changed...

www.leblogauto.com/images/bmw_isetta.jpg
Zouloukistan
12-08-2005, 14:44
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/shaakti/bmwisetta.jpg

The BMW Isetta. Designed by a fridge-making company.

And like a fridge, the door is at the front of the cat. It seats one person. And there's a safety hatch at the back of the car incase of a front collision.

I love it. It's adorable in an ugly kind of way.
Crap! You said it first! :mad:
Homieville
12-08-2005, 14:47
The car is just ugly I like the smart alot better
Stolen Dreams
12-08-2005, 15:01
For four years now, someone has been parking their black smart fortwo on the street. Every winter there's also been an abundance of snow. The people ploughing our city aren't too bright either (compared to how it's done in cities further north), and frequently construct three+ metre piles of snow near intersections.
I first concieved the idea of buring the smart the first winter I saw it out there, parked next to one of those gigantic alpine creations. I swear, if I ever get my impulsive Geordie friend to visit me in the winter, I'll be sure to hunt down the little fecker and turn it into a monument some night.
OHidunno
12-08-2005, 15:06
Crap! You said it first! :mad:

Haha, I am clever like that. :D.
Hobabwe
12-08-2005, 15:14
Smart cars are nifty. I wish we had them in the U.S. - they're fuel efficient, easy to navigate, easy to find parking for, and even kinda cute. The only problem with having them here would be having Hummers run right over you. :rolleyes:

Or have a bunch of college guys play catch with it ;)
Syniks
12-08-2005, 15:23
Smart cars are nifty. I wish we had them in the U.S. - they're fuel efficient, easy to navigate, easy to find parking for, and even kinda cute. The only problem with having them here would be having Hummers run right over you. :rolleyes:
IIRC there are 2 models available in the US... unfortunately NOT the Roadster.

Also, because of some stupid US rule, you can't get the Deisel engine.
Sick Dreams
12-08-2005, 15:34
IIRC there are 2 models available in the US... unfortunately NOT the Roadster.

Also, because of some stupid US rule, you can't get the Deisel engine.
What rule? Never heard of it.
Syniks
12-08-2005, 16:46
What rule? Never heard of it.
I think the CAFE Emmissions standards basically screw deisel for passenger cars.
Homieville
12-08-2005, 19:04
The 2006 Smart fortwo will be smaller then the one of the 2005
Deinstag
13-08-2005, 00:03
Skip all that and Get a Mini..either a Classic Mini manufactured by the BMC/Leyland/Rover or the new MINI made be BMW. They go like stink and can out-handle a Porsche.

The classic BMC/Leyland/Rover car has got NO protection. If you are in a wreck...that car is coming apart...but not before the engine block lands in your lap. Still, it is a very fun car to drive.

The new MINI however is VERY safe. 6 air bags, crumple zones, abs, the works.

Smart is in a different league. Compared to a MINI it has much cheaper build quality. The materials aren't as nice and I feel like I can rip the roadster door off with my hands.

Get the impression that I like the MINI?:D
Cannot think of a name
13-08-2005, 00:30
I saw a Smart scooter by me here in Santa Cruz, CA just the other day. But this is where electric and biodiesel cars are not uncommon.

Since the Isseta has been over represented, I'm going to give love to some of my favorite micro-machines:

Fiat 500 (http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/fiat500canada/img/500-d-solalg.jpg) -they actually raced these things. How cool is that?

Messerschmidt KR-200 (http://davepics.com/Misc/Cars/Messerschmidt/1960_Messerschmidt_KR200_Cabrio.2.jpg) -How cool would it be to say you drive a Messerschmidt to work? Well, limited cool-and a lot of explaining. I like it because it was in the movie Brazil. And, well-it's cool.

Subaru 360 (http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/images/subaru360-00.jpg) I think that this is the car that Wade the American Spy drove in Goldeneye, but maybe not.

Honda S600 (http://members.jcom.home.ne.jp/tricrest/car/s800/s600.jpeg) I think it's cooler than the S2000, without the affectatious 'start' button.

MG Midget (http://www.avonhill.com/thumbnails/convertible/1974_MG_Midget.jpeg) Natch.

Bugeye Sprite (http://www.1motormart.com/gallery/58ah01.jpg) Yes, it's happy to see you.

I like teeny cars. I got nothin' to prove....
The Nazz
13-08-2005, 01:27
I've wanted an MG ever since I was old enough to think about owning a car--almost bought one about six years ago, a horrid orange color, but when I test drove it, the engine blew up in it, and I was just tooling around doing twenty. Didn't have the additional three grand to drop another engine into it, so I passed. Still--I would buy one in a heartbeat if I had the ready cash.
Nadkor
13-08-2005, 01:30
I've wanted an MG ever since I was old enough to think about owning a car--almost bought one about six years ago, a horrid orange color, but when I test drove it, the engine blew up in it, and I was just tooling around doing twenty. Didn't have the additional three grand to drop another engine into it, so I passed. Still--I would buy one in a heartbeat if I had the ready cash.
I want this car:
http://www.mgcars.org.uk/pics/matthiessen.jpg

Not that particular one, but an MGB GT
The Nazz
13-08-2005, 01:38
It's the convertible for me--especially now that I live in south Florida.
Nadkor
13-08-2005, 01:43
It's the convertible for me--especially now that I live in south Florida.
My neighbours had a convertible one....they got wet. Alot.
Cannot think of a name
13-08-2005, 01:54
I want this car:
http://www.mgcars.org.uk/pics/matthiessen.jpg

Not that particular one, but an MGB GT
Ah, Nadkor, if I traveled at the speed of light for a bit and landed back in Ireland now the same age as you, would you wait for me? Yeah, probably not...

I love that car. I tried to finagle a pair of them that I thought was abandoned in the parking garage of a friend in Berkeley, but at the time I was already fighting a losing battle with my '73 914.

I just moved to Hwy 9-literally right outside my door. That's Highway 9 (http://www.ba-sf.com/images/highway-9.jpg) (not my bike, but I believe that that section is down the street from my house.) I mean, Highway 9 (http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/uploads8/100581.jpg). I NEED a new sports car. Though I have to admit staying up on people in my '67 VW Bus is pretty satisfying...

I'm thinking something old and British-like the afore pictured MG Midget, maybe (as I slip into fantasy land) a TR-3, MG TC, a Mini...slightly more realistic (and fitting as I just graduated with a film degree)-Alfa Romeo Spyder (maybe one of my friends hot moms will sedu-wait, ew.) Fiat, well any Fiat will do just about.

I could hit that road with something modern like a WRX or whatever, but I want to drive the road with the car working for and against me like only an old sports car can.

But, I'm probably doomed to hit that road with either the Kombi or the 85 Vanagon I now have for some reason. At least until something drastic changes...
Cannot think of a name
13-08-2005, 01:55
My neighbours had a convertible one....they got wet. Alot.
Small price to pay for top down go-karting (says the guy who lives on the California coast...)