Very Smart! (56k Warning)

Post by **Garry Russell** » 30 Apr 2006, 19:14

With their wings and bonnets, some of these modern cars are looking really old fashioned

Garry

Vixus · Post by **Vixus** » 30 Apr 2006, 19:50

Here: http://microcarmuseum.com/tour/subaru360.html

I don't like modern cars very much (except the more singular sports cars maybe). Nissan tried the retro look with the Figaro. I did see one in real life (close up!) and its not particularly bad looking. One of those quirky things. One for the ladies though, I would think.

ianhind · Post by **ianhind** » 30 Apr 2006, 20:39

Actually Ian, the SMART car is one of the safest cars on the planet.

Ok, so the video shows the effect of an impact. But how stable is it? Such a short wheelbase is surely "twitchy".

So while it may survive an impact, is it more likely to happen?

Ian

Edit: And I thought modern cars had crumple zones that absorbed the impact through deformation. Not much deformation of that Smart car so the human body gets all the impact = car survives, driver does not?

Vixus · Post by **Vixus** » 30 Apr 2006, 23:37

Well, I suppose the less it crumples, the less the chance their legs were shattered? :think:

ianhind · Post by **ianhind** » 30 Apr 2006, 23:42

No - the controlled crumpling of the bodywork absorbs the energy of the crash before the external object reaches the passenger shell.

So long as the steering column and foot pedals don't get pushed into that shell, the passengers are supposed to be safer.

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 01 May 2006, 09:12

Gary, I know what you're saying: Look at the Crysler PT Cruiser!
Butt ugly and looks like something Al Capone would use in the 30's!

Cheers,

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 01 May 2006, 09:13

Ohh and before anyone corrects me I'll correct myself, 1920's!

britishtourer · Post by **britishtourer** » 01 May 2006, 09:20

The perfect hatchback has to be the original Mini Cooper. Decades later, nothing comes close.

If you question the performance of this little car, grab a copy of 1969's The Italian Job and watch three unmodified minis do amazing things at the hads of l'equipe Remy Julienne, still the best stunt company in the world.

Post by **Garry Russell** » 01 May 2006, 11:05

Hi BT

The mini was not a hatchback

Garry

britishtourer · Post by **britishtourer** » 01 May 2006, 11:50

Ah, neither it was, it had a seperate boot. I guess we just take the terminology of hatchback to mean any small car nowadays. OK then, the mini is the best small car decades later.