http://www.businessweek.com/magazine...-02022012.html

 

Thanks for the link, that was a fun read!
Jon

 

Interesting article! It's all about concept and how you market your project.


Btw, I love your new sig pic hahah!

 

This article misses the most important point. Having driven both cars at length, Smart is the worst-handling car I have driven, while MINI Cooper is among the best.

 

I have to say... I have never really understood the comparison, and I resent it. (I haven't read the article yet, but I'm going into it quite sceptically...) Minis and Smarts are very, very different cars. A Mini has...what? Two or three times the curb weight of a Smart and three or four times the horsepower?! I'm really only familiar with the European Smarts with scooter motors and basically no transmission. I don't know what they're doing currently, or for North America. In my opinion, the Mini is a different take on the Golf (and the S, a GTI), whereas the Smart is still not comparable to even a Polo, let alone a Rabbit (not to mention the many, many other small European cars North Americans are not familiar with, because they're impractical on our enormous, long roads).

edit: OK, so I read the article. I still don't get the comparison. Just because both Smart and Mini's design principles diverge from those of, say, a Lincoln Navigator doesn't make them similar cars. The Mini is an extremely capable highway car; the Smart is a very, very large scooter.

 

I agree, Smart is great as a science project but unbearable as an actual car. The transmission is so jerky, it seems like a prototype that accidentally made it to market. A stick option would probably help.

Having said that, I would take a Smart Car over a Segway any day of the week :-)

 

Well let me just say this....
I own a 2011 Cooper Clubman S.
I also work at a dealership that sells Smart cars.

NO COMPARISON. PERIOD.

Its like comparing a CORvette to a CHEvette.

The mini is a quality built performance car that screams to be driven hard.
Smart is pretty much a step above a golf cart.

Not that I hate Smart cars ,but definatly not in the same league.
Smart cars are good econimocal commuter cars.Point A to point B.
No thrills.
People that want a small sporty performance car will choose the Mini hands down.
Anyone one who has driven both will know what I mean....just sayin.

 

there nothing to compare mini with

 

yep, MINIs are cooler...and way different.

Smarts look lame completely stock....but some folks out there are modding them...not to bad

 

this modded one looks fun...would be kinda cool if MINI could do a rwd..

http://www.youtube.com/v/sLtMh20qIp8...dded&version=3"

 

woops, double post, NAM and my computer don't get along well lately..lol

 

the only time i can see a SMART being better than a mini would be parking perpendicular to the curb in tiny European cities. That's the only place the car makes sense. In america, they just don't fill a niche.

 

That's not always true. (NSFW language so mute it if you don't wanna hear)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q22FBh2qcxY

 

I didn't realize I was going to cause a **** storm but, in defense of that video posted above there are MINI people that can't park to save their lives. Continue on with this thread I am really enjoying it.

 

hmm.. It was meant to be a joke, but I guess that went over everyones head? Sorry.

 

Meh I have seen that video and it was funny as hell. I just wanted to state that there are MINI people that are just as bad. But it looks like this thread is turning into a conversation like Republican vs Democrat, Giants or Patriots, and automatic vs manual.

 

Well, I'll put my input.. IMO, I can't really see Mini and SMART in the same category. Mainly because the Mini and SMART are going after two different genres of drivers. SMART is more for the city commuter, someone who needs a vehicle, but doesn't really leave the city limits and goes from Point A to Point B.. As the Mini is more of the suburban commuter who needs to drive 30-40 minutes one way into the city for their job but need the handling of driving through tight city streets when necessary.

 

....that last video of the parallel parking....good find, and good to know that I'm not alone...in spending too much time browsing stupid and funny videos

..on a serious note...I really hope that Smart driver gets some help/driving lessons... when driving a small car...you gotta be a good defensive driver...quick reactions...

 

...no not in same category as MINI, ..but a bit closer than an suburbans and expeditions..

the one's we are used to seeing...look dorky..cause they sit up waaaaayyyy to high..with silly tiny wheels....those folks that have modded them have changed that a lot...

and this company is offering a bit different/improved version...I'd get one...not instead of, but in addition to our MINI
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/smart/2...-ar105384.html