Since its introduction, the Smart Car has always been a standout in the automotive world. Its tiny footprint and urban-friendly design redefined what a city car could be, especially in America, where large cars are favored. But what makes this car truly unique, and how much does a Smart Car weigh? CarBuzz is here with a detailed overview exploring the history of the Smart Car and its weight, safety, and how it stacks up against other subcompacts in today’s market.
All key information has been sourced from Smart and Mercedes-Benz directly, unless stated otherwise.
A Brief History Of The Smart Car
Smart
The Smart Car brand, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch, first hit the streets of Europe in 1998. Known for its quirky styling and exceptionally small size, it didn’t take long for this microcar to gain a loyal following. But it wasn’t until 2008 that Smart made its way to the United States with the Fortwo. American drivers, particularly those in densely populated urban areas, quickly embraced the car’s compact nature and benefits, namely city driving, making parking a breeze, and reducing fuel consumption. There were four versions offered for buyers in the states including the convertible fortwo Cabrio and an electric version as well.
Despite its niche appeal, the Smart Car struggled to maintain a strong foothold in the U.S. market. The rise of electric vehicles and larger, more efficient subcompact cars pushed the Smart Car out of favor. By 2019, Smart officially exited the U.S. market, leaving behind a legacy of innovative engineering and a curiosity for its impressively lightweight design.
After much careful consideration, Smart will discontinue its battery-electric smart EQ fortwo model in the U.S. and Canadian markets at the conclusion of MY2019.
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The Unique Construction And Dimensions Of The Smart Car
Smart
The Smart Car’s compact size is one of its most notable features. At just 106.1 inches long for the 2009 US-spec model (and even less for the original sold in Europe), it’s shorter than most standard cars by several feet. It can easily fit into non-standard parking spaces which would be impossible for traditional-sized vehicles. The width of the Smart Car also contributes to its tight turning radius, making it ideal for navigating tight squeezes and narrow city streets. The 2009 model had the following dimensions:
Length 106.1 inches Width: 61.4 inches Height: 60.7 inches
However, what makes the Smart Car truly stand out is its lightweight construction. Built with a combination of a reinforced steel safety cage (known as the Tridion Cell) and lightweight body panels made from plastic, it is designed to be incredibly efficient while still offering some protection to occupants. This innovative construction is the key reason why the Smart Car weighs so little compared to other vehicles in its class.
How Much Does The Smart Car Weigh?
Smart
The most important question for Smart Car enthusiasts often boils down to this: how much does a Smart Car weigh? Depending on the specific model and trim, a Smart Car weighs roughly between 1,500 and 2,200 pounds, depending on the market, powertrain, and model year. The Smart Fortwo, the most popular model, weighed 1,808 lbs for the 2009 model year. For the cabrio, that figure increased to 1,852 lbs.
This figure is astoundingly light by modern car standards. To put it into perspective, most subcompact cars, like the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris, weigh closer to 2,500-3,000 pounds. The Smart Car’s weight is kept low intentionally by its minimalistic design and the use of lightweight materials.
Model
Curb Weight
fortwo (2009 model)
1,808 lbs
fortwo Cabrio (2009 model)
1,852 lbs
fortwo Electric Drive (2015 model)
2,094 lbs
fortwo Electric Drive Cabrio (2015 model)
2,138 lbs
How Safe Is The Smart City Car?
Given its small size and lightweight design, many people wonder if the Smart Car safe. Despite its small stature, the Smart Car offers impressive safety features, largely due to its unique Tridion safety cell. This steel cage acts as a protective shell around the occupants, designed to absorb and redistribute energy in the event of a collision. It’s similar to the way a race car’s roll cage protects drivers during a crash.
Smart Car Fortwo Safety Features:
Tridion Safety Cell Front Airbags Side Airbags Stability control Anti-lock brakes
The Smart Car has undergone extensive crash testing in Europe and the U.S., with results that might surprise skeptics. While it certainly doesn’t have the same crash ratings as a full-size sedan or SUV, it holds its own against other subcompacts and city cars. Front and side airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes all come standard, further contributing to its respectable safety profile.
However, when comparing the Smart Car to larger vehicles, it’s clear that size does matter in terms of crash protection. The laws of physics dictate that in a collision with a much larger vehicle, the Smart Car is at a disadvantage. That said, for urban environments where accidents tend to happen at lower speeds, the Smart Car is as safe as any other subcompact on the road.
How Does The Smart Car Compare To Other Subcompacts?
Smart
When looking at the Smart Car’s size and weight, it’s easy to assume that there’s nothing else quite like it. However, there are several other subcompact cars in the American market that offer similar urban-friendly features, albeit with some key differences in weight and construction.
Mini Cooper. One of the Smart Car’s main competitors, it weighs around 2,600-2,700 pounds—nearly 1,000 pounds heavier than a Smart Car. While the Mini offers more space and luxury features, it sacrifices the extreme lightness that makes the Smart Car so unique. The additional weight also impacts the Mini Cooper’s fuel efficiency and ease of maneuvering in tight spaces. Chevrolet Spark. Until it went out of production recently, this was one of the smallest cars available in the U.S. market. The Spark weighs around 2,200 pounds, making it one of the lightest subcompacts, though it’s still heavier than the Smart Car. The Spark offers four doors and more interior space but at the cost of the Smart’s ultra-compact dimensions Fiat 500. This is another iconic small car that’s beloved in urban settings. The Fiat 500 weighs about 2,400 pounds, offering a bit more in terms of power and luxury, but again, it can’t compete with the Smart Car in terms of weight or parking convenience.
In terms of pure weight, the Smart Car easily wins the title of the lightest vehicle in this segment. But if you’re wondering how heavy a smart car is compared to other city cars, the answer is simple: not very. Its feather-light design allows it to excel where many other vehicles struggle—maneuverability, parking, and fuel efficiency.
Final Thoughts: A City Car Like No Other
The Smart Car is a vehicle that was designed with urban living in mind. Its small size, lightweight, and innovative construction make it perfect for navigating the crowded streets of major cities. Weighing in at just under 2,000 pounds, the Smart Car redefined the idea of what a commuter vehicle could be. While it may no longer be available in the U.S. market, its influence on microcar design and lightweight construction continues to be felt.
For anyone curious about how much a Smart Car weighs and why that matters, it’s clear that the answer goes beyond just a number. The Smart Car’s weight allows it to perform its role as an urban transport vehicle with efficiency, safety, and ease. It’s a car designed to excel in the city, and for that, it will always hold a special place in automotive history.
Sources:
Smart
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Mercedes-Benz