|
|
Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | Fiat 500 drove one all over europe and north africa Great little car |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | I have a Vision and a Fiat 500 sport. I put 25K on the Fiat in the first year. Just a little over a year old and dead reliable and the tightest car I ever owned. I liked the sport seats but the standard POP rides a little better due to softer suspension and taller aspect tires. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | And did I mention that FIAT was SO bad that it got bought by CHRYSLER - while near bankrupt because even the ITALIANS wouldn't buy one? Until it was redesigned by MERCEDES, the owner of CHRYSLER - and SMART ??????????
Goddamned confusing world, 'eh?
C'Mon Chris - let's not see the CAP'N again ... we love ya ! Keep on giving us Vision and many more stories as VARYDER !!!
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 135
Chesterfield, VA | Damn Chris, it's a little late for April Fool jokes...I call BS. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | this is a joke , right? Did hell just freeze over? The Varyder, the first 100K Vision on the entire planet, history maker, is really turning cage??? you really going to park her and let me catch you on my Vision? Ok, if that's what you feel you need to do, I support you and in all seriousness would not gode you into something with ribbing and peer pressure. I don't want your blood on my hands so, if you are serious , I know nothing about either car except that I think the Fiat is sexier but I have a strong conviction to buy American when possible so if the Smart car is American , I would favor it. I'm still waiting for you to say you are kidding  |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | The Smart Car and the Fiat 500 are both rated at 38 MPG highway. I know three people who have VW New Beetle TDI (Turbo Diesel) and they all get 45 to 50 MPG on the highway and seat four comfortably. Other folks around here have Toyota Prius Hybrids and get in that range too. Just thinking out loud.
Ronnie
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 849
, FL United States | Chris, I don't really know what to think of this post of yours. True cagers today are just STOOPID and yes I'm getting too old to sweat so much I think it's raining and then it really does rain and sorta ruins the day (I really DON'T like getting wet). I've never tried to put my 6'3" frame in a SMART but I have driven the old Fiat 500 and it was a blast (after I figured out how to position my long legs correctly so I could shift gears). |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Try cloudy day and in a funk! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 401
| sarvbill - 2012-06-22 6:23 AM
Damn Chris, it's a little late for April Fool jokes...I call BS.
I agree Bill, but if you are serious Chris you need to get out there and drive them. Just like you did when you got the Vision.
If you think you are going to get more respect in a micro car you will be gravely disappointed. I have an 2011 Mini Cooper S, and I get LESS (yes less) respect when I drive that car than I do when I ride my Vision. The number of close calls I've had in the Mini far exceeds the ones I've I had with the Vision.
I have driven the Smart car, and it feels solid, but the transmission is a piece of garbage. It takes about 1-2 seconds for it to shift, and in traffic that is scary.
We weren't planning on getting the Mini, but we found a great deal. I never drove one before, and it is one of the funnest cars I have ever owned or driven. Sadly they are expensive, and I never considered one because of that.
(Mini.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
 Mini.jpg (92KB - 0 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | donetracey - 2012-06-21 9:01 PM
OLD - OLD - OLD STUFF from 2008 - WHOLE DIFFERENT CAR !!! Americans have not even SEEN the new SMART until lately - wasn't SOLD in the U.S. because it was DIESEL and not 'clean' enough. And remember FIAT??? BOY - did it ever have a great reputation !? Wasn't sold outside of ITALY it was such a dog .... While we're at it - remember VICTORY ??? The 'other' American Motorcycle? oops ... ?
So they Dont use the same transmssions now? |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | rdbudd - 2012-06-22 8:41 AM
The Smart Car and the Fiat 500 are both rated at 38 MPG highway. I know three people who have VW New Beetle TDI (Turbo Diesel) and they all get 45 to 50 MPG on the highway and seat four comfortably. Other folks around here have Toyota Prius Hybrids and get in that range too. Just thinking out loud.
Ronnie
Co worker of mine just bought a hyundia Veloster and it gets 40mph highway and is alot more roomy and sporty! |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | donetracey - 2012-06-21 9:01 PM
OLD - OLD - OLD STUFF from 2008 - WHOLE DIFFERENT CAR !!! Americans have not even SEEN the new SMART until lately - wasn't SOLD in the U.S. because it was DIESEL and not 'clean' enough. And remember FIAT??? BOY - did it ever have a great reputation !? Wasn't sold outside of ITALY it was such a dog .... While we're at it - remember VICTORY ??? The 'other' American Motorcycle? oops ... ?
and this is not the OLD stuff here (2008) i found simular info on a 2011..
2011 SMART ForTwo
Base MSRP: $12,500
MPG:33mpg urban/41mpg highway
Why a Bad Choice? You may be able to park the SMART ForTwo car with no problems, but do not get into an accident--the vehicle has subpar bodyweight, and is just too small to offer plausible safety. Consumer reviews are below average, and the Smart ForTwo gets bad ratings on its transmission, acceleration, driving noise and the requirement for Premium fuel. Reliability reports are also below the national average. Consumer Reports gives the Smart ForTwo an overall score of 28--out of 100 possible points.
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Well, in the end, the wife will always wins out. She doesn't like the look of Smart Car and finds the 500 absolutley "cute". I think she was talking about the car....
(fiat_photo.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
fiat_photo.jpg (99KB - 0 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | how soon before you have 100,000 miles on it? lol |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 444
Bay of Gigs, WA | Fiat is the better choice than the Smart, since the Smart carries less gear than my Vic. No room at all. I have a Mini, the standard one, gets 36 most of the time and is a hoot. It's also like a magicians' hat in reverse-you can just keep stuffing rabbits (or clowns, I guess) in it, instead of taking them out. In other words, it hauls a lot of stuff. But I don't want to drive it more than 150 miles at a pop. I have my Buick LeSaber for that...it gets 27-30 on the road. And it rides like a Buick. BTW-Have you thought about putting motorcycle tires on that Fiat? Might grip better...
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm trying to figure out how that would work, taller tires would mean even better gas mileage. Sorry guys, I got bored the other day and my sarcasm got the best of me. It seemed a little mundane around here and decided to rant, with a twist. The funny thing is that the next day my niece drives through on her way to NC driving a rental Fiat 500. I had to carry it through to the end before I revealed my sinister plot. I surprise more folks didn't respond to the rant, but it also proves how we can gentlemen too. The Bently is still rollin' strong and hope so for another 80,900 miles at least. As far as any of the little cars, they are an option, but not anytime soon. I hope there was humor to be found, and at least one if not two, or maybe three cried "foul". Now go to Myth Busters to see if they can find out if I really ride a motorcycle or just a big kid with a keyboard. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Lots and lots of SMART 'Experts' out there. WOW - who knew?
My SMART is perfect for what we use it for - has about 6,000 miles on it in 3 years. Has never left 'Greater Vancouver'. Has never been on a freeway - never will. Just up and down north shore mountains, downtown occasionally - driven maybe once a week. PERFECT - for what we use it for. We live in one of the wealthiest communities IN THE WORLD - and there is a SMART in at least every 4 square block area - and NO Fiats. Most of the vehicles here are things like Lexus, Mercedes, Porche, BMW and the like. But people like the SMART as something to hop into, and go up or down the mountain to do a visit, or some shopping. We LOVE our SMART - and acording to others we have talked to, they love theirs.
I wouldn't want to use one for 20,000 miles/year - on highways. Wouldn't want a FIAT either, for that kind of driving. Or a Mini. What I'm saying, folks - is there are 'choices' for the kind of use you want out of a vehicle. Just as you wouldn't use your VISION to ride up a gravel logging road.
So don't get your asses in a sling over VaRyders choices. Or why our pal Chris is venting ... just support him, OK?
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Thanks Don...
I'm more educated on Smarts too. That is my thought really if I was ever to get one, just to zip around and go to work. We still we have a big car, and the bike. But right now, while the wife is not working, I've got my Smart Bike and will continue to as long as I am able. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I feel I need to level set this whole thread. I really was looking for some information on these small cars, the rant was a cover as to the truth of why. It is also something that I hope I will not have to revert to any time soon. Thanks truly for all of your input... |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 125
Kerrville Texas ( now a homeowner on six acres) | varyder,
I was really worried for a couple of days!!!! You are still my hero!!!
Keep on mooovin!
Smadge |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 208
Wichita, Kansas | Hey. Fiats were sold in the US years ago. I had a 72 Fiat 850 coupe fastback. 42 MPG and a blast to drive (up to a top speed of 85) and ran like a top (until the first day after it started raining and then again two days after it quit!). I only got rid of it because it blew the second gear synchro and parts were a 9 month wait since all of Italy was on strike. But aside from all that, a great little car. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | Had me worried . Ride on! |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | varyder - 2012-06-22 6:52 PM
Well, in the end, the wife will always wins out. She doesn't like the look of Smart Car and finds the 500 absolutley "cute".??? I think she was talking about the car....
I have that same hat |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 222
Barefoot Bay, FL United States | IMHO, the Smart car tranny sucks!! It feels like you are hitting the brakes in between shifts, which is automatic. Can't get it in a standard, cause they don't make it. The one I tried out was awful, even using the paddle shifters. You'd think Mercedes would be able to make a better tranny. Go with the Fiat. Hopefully it won't make yer butt as big as J Lo's!! witchbiker |
|
| |
|
New user
Posts: 3
Houston, TX | I'd go with the Scion IQ...much smarter than Smart |
|
| |
Smart Car or Fiat 500
