...to give you some firsthand experience.

We have a yellow one we use at our company for running errands around town.

Today I had to do a business trip from Stuttgart to Nuernberg. Total distance was 250 km one way.

Since all of our "real" cars were booked (well, I checked first time yesterday ) they gave me the SMART.

It topped out at 135 km/h, it was rather stressfull to pass when suddenly the engine hits the limiter (it is electronically limited to a top speed of 135 km/h)

Going that fast it was rather thirsty, other cars get a better mileage at same speed.

And it was very uncomfortable shaking around like crazy due to the short wheelbase.

But it was till fun to drive! It is like riding a roller coaster: You can enjoy the ride but you don't have the urge to own one (if you are not Michael Jackson )

Kind regards
Eberhard

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...with a 10 gallon tank on one of the frequent stops at the gas station.

Kind regards
Eberhard

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...another one of this things on the Autobahn (hehe, my limiter is better than your limiter) which I was able to pass.

Yes, I actually passed other vehicles, not only trucks

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....I wasn't that impressed with the vehicle after four hours driving.

Alright for now, no more pictures...

Kind regards
Eberhard

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Eberhard since you are living in Germany I have a question for you. Is it true that there are no speed limits in the autobahn? When I was in Germany about 15 years ago I saw 140 km/h top speed signs in the autobahn. Yet I have heard from many people that there are no speed limits in the autobahn. Is it true that you can go as fast as you want. I mean can you get a Ferrari or some other supercar and drive legally with 300 km/h?

...and you don't even need a Nissan

There still is now speed limit at the Autobahn.

Unfortunatly some areas, for example around citys or when the road is narrow, have speed limits posted.

But you still find many stretches where, if traffic allows, the car sets the limit. Last weekend I had another company car, an Audi TT. I reached 240 km/h at the speedometer, which should be about 225 km/h real speed.

I took my 230E once downhill up to 200 km/h at the speedo, which should be around 185 km/h in real speed.

Kind regards
Eberhard

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EberHard-I love seeing all these pics from germany as I someday wish to visit someday, just thought I would let you know to keep up the good photography:p

__________________
88 300E
03 911 C4S
2008 Triumph Speed Triple

My pics --> www.BrettAdamsDesign.com

Eberhard: cool pics. I think the one of you at the wheel would make a good album cover!

__________________
JJ Rodger
2013 G350 Bluetec
1999 SL 500
1993 E300 diesel T
1990 190

When I was working, I would have LOVED one for commuting. Not a good primary car in Canada due to our large geographical area and high-speed highways that often call for 130km/h passing speeds.

__________________
My car: 2003 SL500 - Silver/Black, delivery July 11, 2002.

Me: Daniel McKeon, retired anthropologist/school teacher. Also silver on top...delivery November 13, 1939.

Other cars at our home:
1991 Toyota Camry - 350,000 kilometers, still a good car.
1994 Honda Accord - 150,000 kilometers, my wife's "Little Honda..."

....the Smart easily reaches 135 km/h

It actually downshifts from 6 to 4 when you try to pass something.


You are right, the Smart is really not for long distance trip.

Besides the parking situation it is not really designed for cities either.

The automated gearbox doesn't shift smoothly, driving around in a city you look like you are listening to AC/DC

Kind regards
Eberhard