Smart for 4 or Fiat 500

[Charlie9038]

So today we looked and test drove a nice fiat 500 semi-automatic, at 6 foot 2 I found the head room a bit tight. Also an Toyota Aygo but felt a bit tinny.
We are looking for what could be a potential toad, on e I justify the cost to convert, hence these cars.
Has anyone got a smart for 4,are they any good Or is the fiat500 a good motor and what goes better.

Thanks

 

[M-J]

Do you need 4/5 seats?

If not you will fit in a Smart Fortwo no problem.

 

[Charlie9038]

Do you need 4/5 seats?

If not you will fit in a Smart Fortwo no problem.

Thanks but Ideally 4 seats and power steering

 

[XxAnthxX]

The 2nd generation Ford KA is effectively the Fiat 500 wearing different (Ford) clothes....They both came off the same production line in Poland.

Sharing so many components makes pattern parts widely available and cheap, in the event of repairs/maintenance.

They even shared some power plants (1.2 petrol), but the most quirky is the Fiat 500 Twinair which is an 875cc two cylinder turbo, which is both economical to run (Inc. free road tax) but quite capable at 85bhp and makes the most unusual exhaust note.

 

[bigtwin]

They even shared some power plants (1.2 petrol), but the most quirky is the Fiat 500 Twinair which is an 875cc two cylinder turbo, which is both economical to run (Inc. free road tax) but quite capable at 85bhp and makes the most unusual exhaust note.

In fact the 85bhp Twinair is the most powerful of the three engines (1.2 petrol and 1.4 diesel) and is a hoot to drive.

Ian

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[Mr Chrysalis]

Fist 500 is perfect for the job. If you fold the rear seat down there is loads of space inthe boot so you effectively have a trailer for the van too. Just check that the automatic can be towed some cannot
We also towed a Smart but it was too small for its “day job” as a run about as we sometimes needed space for 4. The Smart for 4 is ugly but that’s just my opinion ( and Smart probably says the same about me!)

 

[glenn2926]

We have a smart for four. I really didn’t want it but my wife likes quirkinesses and it’s that ok. It’s a 15 plate manual ( neither of us like autos) and it’s loads better than I ever thought it would be. Only 990 turbo so not very good on the hills around here. It’s fun to drive easy to park anywhere the only car with smaller turning circle is a London taxi. Free ved, just drive past a filling station every so oftenand that’s enough fuel. Cheap as chips to run. I wouldn’t like to drive to France in it though. I would have another but I need a proper car as well.

 

[Minxy]

The Smart for 4 is ugly but that’s just my opinion ( and Smart probably says the same about me!)

Oi ... you keep your 'carist' opinions to yourself! Its not quite as cute as the ForTwo but it's not flipping ugly!

 

[Minxy]

So today we looked and test drove a nice fiat 500 semi-automatic, at 6 foot 2 I found the head room a bit tight. Also an Toyota Aygo but felt a bit tinny.
We are looking for what could be a potential toad, on e I justify the cost to convert, hence these cars.
Has anyone got a smart for 4,are they any good Or is the fiat500 a good motor and what goes better.

Thanks

The first thing you need to check is which cars you can tow in auto form as not all autos can be towed on an a-frame. As for the cars you mention, see below.

We considered a Fiat 500 manual a few years ago but they were small inside due to the way they taper at the top but are still quite a large car externally due to the 'hamster' cheek wheel arches. Instead we bought a Renault Twingo manual (no auto option) which was great and went like a pocket-rocket however as we've got a soft spot for Smart cars and ideally wanted an auto we decided to see if we could manage with a new style ForTwo auto which we loved however eventually we decided to change it as we found it just a bit too small at times so the obvious choice was the ForFour auto, but it wasn't that easy!

As Smart no longer made petrol versions so we couldn't buy a new one so we looked for a good second hand one and ended up going all the way up to Glasgow to get one with the engine and trim level we wanted, and of course in a nice colour combination. The 0.9 litre 3 cylinder turbo version is a lot faster than the 1.0 litre non-turbo one by a long way ... it really goes very fast and is a lovely car to drive and very comfy. It is also a very good quality car, it feels very solid and certainly no nice both internally and externally than many other cars including the Fiat 500.

The downside is that there aren't that many 0.9 litre versions around, but lots of the 1.0 litre which I wouldn't touch as they are just too sluggy IMV, the 0.9 litre does 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds, the 1.0 litre 15.4! They really ought to do a 0-30mph test though as it is extremely quick off the mark.

This is our 'toddler' (can't call it a 'baby' as that was the ForTwo!)

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

I've been and looked at the Fiat 500 from all angles and cannot see any signs of hamster pouches or significant roof taper. Maybe she is thinking of the 500L, which is a big ugly lump that should never have been given a 500 badge. I have to say Mel that your ForFour is not as ugly as the older versions but not as cute and cuddly as the black convertible that we have both owned! Are you now towing the Smart on an A Frame? But Charlie, if you are looking for performance, you should consider the 500 Abarth that does 0-
60 in less than 7 seconds and would leave Mel standing at the lights!

There is an article somewhere on here that tells you which of the Smarts can be towed and which cannot, I cannot find it. Mel do you know where Charlie might find it, as you are the fount of all Smart knowledge!

Abarth

500L

Older ForFour

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[The Dotties]

You cannot, under any circumstances toad a manual Smart for 4.
the gearbox is fed by the engine oil, and will seize in very short shrift.
Please don’t ask how I know
I can’t vouch for any of the other brands, but had several conversations with MB both in the U.K. and Germany, and they told me of above.
( I bought one brand new with the intention of towing it without researching properly)

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

If you are to tow a 500.......Get the Abarth . There is a little bit more to do regarding the fitting of the A frame but not much. It allows you to have the freedom of the 4 seats you need and when you do have extra folk on board....at least it has the Oomph to get you there! I Fitted the A frame to both the 1200 lounge and our current Abarth and both tow very well. The Fiat will always sell later on better than the Smart forfour too don't forget?
Its a ladies car the 500 where as the smart for four is a quirky toy that soon runs out of its appeal. It does not suit all. Just an opinion but it is available to view on the various web sites regarding reviews.
We have towed smart for two's and and for a very short while ..a twingo (Smart for four really) . Decided on the Fiat 500 but after a while with the lack of power..decided on the Abarth . Looks the part behind the truck too! Its the white one in the pictures . The grey 500 had a badge bar to hide the eyes for towing whilst out on site. The Abarth now has the newer tow eyes that push in and twist to lock so removal is a lot easier. Both also were used with the RV2 Brake system (Full electric braking)
Again...personal choice . There are various ones to go for . It comes down to the individual.

Some pictures attached showing what we have had (Funnily enough......the twingo did not get a picture?

Kev

 

[Yorkshire Puds]

What about a Picanto?

 

[Pausim]

I changed my toad from 2 seater Smart to 4 seat VW Up. Despite being manual I find the Up far better as a car and less hassle as a toad.

 

[phil1946]

We have sold the RV but still have the 06 Smart ForFour, 1300 Mitsubishi lump with 6 speed semi auto that can be, and has been TOAD.

It is 'proper car' sized, 4 door, 5 seats, quite quick (especially if using the manual override), economical and did us well while we had the RV. We often used it as a trailer and carried the electric bikes in it!

It could/should now be for sale so feel free to message me if interested.

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[busby]

So today we looked and test drove a nice fiat 500 semi-automatic, at 6 foot 2 I found the head room a bit tight. Also an Toyota Aygo but felt a bit tinny.
We are looking for what could be a potential toad, on e I justify the cost to convert, hence these cars.
Has anyone got a smart for 4,are they any good Or is the fiat500 a good motor and what goes better.

Thanks

I have a 10 year old 1200 Panda and it has been brilliant..BUSBY.

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

If you are to tow a 500.......Get the Abarth . There is a little bit more to do regarding the fitting of the A frame but not much. It allows you to have the freedom of the 4 seats you need and when you do have extra folk on board....at least it has the Oomph to get you there! I Fitted the A frame to both the 1200 lounge and our current Abarth and both tow very well. The Fiat will always sell later on better than the Smart forfour too don't forget?
Its a ladies car the 500 where as the smart for four is a quirky toy that soon runs out of its appeal. It does not suit all. Just an opinion but it is available to view on the various web sites regarding reviews.
We have towed smart for two's and and for a very short while ..a twingo (Smart for four really) . Decided on the Fiat 500 but after a while with the lack of power..decided on the Abarth . Looks the part behind the truck too! Its the white one in the pictures . The grey 500 had a badge bar to hide the eyes for towing whilst out on site. The Abarth now has the newer tow eyes that push in and twist to lock so removal is a lot easier. Both also were used with the RV2 Brake system (Full electric braking)
Again...personal choice . There are various ones to go for . It comes down to the individual.

Some pictures attached showing what we have had (Funnily enough......the twingo did not get a picture?

Kev

Quite envious of your Abarth!

 

[Minxy]

I've been and looked at the Fiat 500 from all angles and cannot see any signs of hamster pouches or significant roof taper.

I've just put the below images together on the same scale, the Smart is very slightly shorter and taller than the Fiat 500 but you can see the taper that I'm talking about with the Fiat 500 having a lot less 'cabin room'. The 'squarer' Smart is more suited to a taller driver and with 4 doors is much easier to take passengers and access stuff in the rear with a lot more space for carrying stuff anyway. The turning circle is fantastic and most of the time we can turn round in a road in one go without having to mess about doing a 3-point turn. They are extremely comfortable and we love ours as it is 'different' with various colour combinations although you can stick to standard single colours if required.

Maybe she is thinking of the 500L, which is a big ugly lump that should never have been given a 500 badge.

I totally agree with that, it is doesn't resemble a Fiat 500 in any way, shape or form, if people want it then buy it but don't think that it is anything like the original Fiat 500 estates!

I have to say Mel that your ForFour is not as ugly as the older versions but not as cute and cuddly as the black convertible that we have both owned! Are you now towing the Smart on an A Frame?

The older ForFours weren't anything like the ForTwos except in name and body panels, they were just normal cars really that looked a bit different. I agree that the older Smart For Twos are just sooooooooo cute which is why I got 'into them' in the first place!

But Charlie, if you are looking for performance, you should consider the 500 Abarth that does 0-
60 in less than 7 seconds and would leave Mel standing at the lights!

Its not all about power ... it knowing how to use it!

There is an article somewhere on here that tells you which of the Smarts can be towed and which cannot, I cannot find it. Mel do you know where Charlie might find it, as you are the fount of all Smart knowledge!

Not so much a fount, more a dribble but, I think this is the thread you're talking about:

Best A frame for a Smart ForTwo

We have just bought a 2016 Smart ForTwo and wondered what the best A frame would be to use. Ease of use / storage Cost Thanks Dennis

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

I've just put the below images together on the same scale, the Smart is very slightly shorter and taller than the Fiat 500 but you can see the taper that I'm talking about with the Fiat 500 having a lot less 'cabin room'. The 'squarer' Smart is more suited to a taller driver and with 4 doors is much easier to take passengers and access stuff in the rear with a lot more space for carrying stuff anyway. The turning circle is fantastic and most of the time we can turn round in a road in one go without having to mess about doing a 3-point turn. They are extremely comfortable and we love ours as it is 'different' with various colour combinations although you can stick to standard single colours if required.

View attachment 402657


I totally agree with that, it is doesn't resemble a Fiat 500 in any way, shape or form, if people want it then buy it but don't think that it is anything like the original Fiat 500 estates!


The older ForFours weren't anything like the ForTwos except in name and body panels, they were just normal cars really that looked a bit different. I agree that the older Smart For Twos are just sooooooooo cute which is why I got 'into them' in the first place!


Its not all about power ... it knowing how to use it!


Not so much a fount, more a dribble but, I think this is the thread you're talking about:

Best A frame for a Smart ForTwo

We have just bought a 2016 Smart ForTwo and wondered what the best A frame would be to use. Ease of use / storage Cost Thanks Dennis

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Your pictures are a very good comparison. They both do the same job, Much like these:
Smart

Abarth

 

[Rosemary1]

Do you need 4/5 seats?

If not you will fit in a Smart Fortwo no problem.

My hubby is 6ft 5 and loads of room in our Smart Fortwo

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[Charlie9038]

Thanks all for the detailed replies, just found out that the Smart Automatic cannot be towed, so heading towards the Fiat or now Toyota Aygo/Peugot 108, Citroen C1 route.
Looks like Tow bar2 tow bars have 2 peugots 108 autos allready converted.
Or am I better of paying more for LNB Leisure to convert?

 

[Hettie's Crew]

We’ve had C1, as a second car for last year because Liz wanted one, I wasn’t keen as I thought they are a bit small and basic, “tinny” as you put it. I prefer driving it now and think it’s a great little car.
Out of the three, C1, Aygo and 108 I think the C1 has the better, quirky looks, the Aygo is trying to be something it isn’t and the 108 has bland styling.

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

Thanks all for the detailed replies, just found out that the Smart Automatic cannot be towed, so heading towards the Fiat or now Toyota Aygo/Peugot 108, Citroen C1 route.
Looks like Tow bar2 tow bars have 2 peugots 108 autos already converted.
Or am I better of paying more for LNB Leisure to convert?

I bought our Fiat 500 already converted from TC2TB. Great service and also after sales service. I had a problem with the car last week whilst towing it to Newark for the motorhome service. I called TC2TB from the side of the road. Roger, their tech wizard talked me through a fix for the issue (which was due to me not having used the toad for about 6 months and then invited my to go straight there from Newark (even though they were busy), where they serviced the whole system for me, and lent me a VW Go whilst they had it for a couple of hours. TB2TC als service motorhomes, and they will check your van electrics for suitability, and fit a warning light in it to tell you if there is a problem with the toad.
The 3 cars you mention are all essentially the same. We bought an Aygo for all 3 of our kids to learn to drive in. Great little car, though the clutch bite point is a bit high for me, and we got through 2 clutches during the time they were learning (around 8 years I guess). Cheap to run and service. Catches the wind a bit on motorways and we much prefer the Fiat TBH. The heated rear screen got scratched when carrying a full set of band amplifiers, guitars etc, and the only repair meant replacing the whole glass rear door. We didn't bother.