[coolguru]

Hi All,

I was researching on MINI Cooper and now there's the launch of SMART. Both
are suitable for me as I'm looking for a compact car.

What's your thought if you're commenting between a MINI Cooper and a SMART?
Pls feel free to comment from the pricing, lifestyle, manufacturer,
quality, on-lookers perception, etc.

Thanks.

[Ryoga]

I think you'll get more looks with Smart than with a mini. Price and
maintenance is abt the same for both (One's with Beemer, and the other
with Benz)

From feedbacks from my friends, mini is already too common and even the
Kelisa looks like a mini, but a Smart is unique in many ways, the looks,
the feel, even the way she performs (from what I was told).

Manufacturer quality wise, definitely both on par, but I think the Smart
fortwo has more safety features.

[scooby5]

There is the Mini2 coming in 2006 so watch out for the fact you might
just be buying an "old" model.

The Mini2 comes with three new engines included a turbo charged 200hp
unit in the Cooper S.

The option of which to go for depends on what you're looking for. If you
want people to stare (and maybe laugh) at you then go for the Smart but i
think if you want real fun and comfort, go for the Mini.

[james35]

Stare and probably laugh at Smart? I don't think it will really bother to
those who drive in one,la. This is a lifestyle vehicle, in my opinion.
Stylish and upbeat. The 2 seater is its unique and appealing feature and
the owner probably have a fun and confident personality to go with it
anyway.

On a lighter side of things, it saves you water and time when you want to
wash the car....

The mini has more heritage and classic lines while the Smart to me, is
futuristic in feel.

I hope there will be many Smart in town soon, it certainly adds more
colour to our dull roads.

I really like the colour choice and I will want to own one in the near
future....maybe I can loan it to my father and mother in law and take it
back for weekend rides with my wife. Kids? They will have to bid their
turns to ride with me and better behave if they want their turns...

Just my 2 cents worth...

[ahpek]

Smart is for those that have more then 2 cars, maybe after an ordinary
sedan, then maybe a sports car and lastly a smart. So, between a Mini and
a Smart, it will definitely be a Mini for me, even a Mini One would be
nice. But having said that, the Smart is cheaper

[Ryoga]

"Smart is for those that have more then 2 cars"

Says who? Definitely cannot be used as a first car, but not necessary to
have 2 cars wat.

Mini more expensive .... wonder why

[KTypeR84]

Seriously, i think it won't do for those with a family..it definitely would
rock as the second car..that's what my dad thinks...if you think it's gonna
appeal to the youngsters...think again, even my dad is into this car now
and he has never been enthusiastic even about cars back then.

[ruykava]

in terms of ingenuity, it has to be the smart. i mean, how many cars are
that small? in London people save parking fees by parking 2 smarts into
one parking space!

and it is very comfy inside because it was designed to take only 2
people. the mini is definitely much more fun to drive, but it can really
only seat 3--the BMW-carryover suspension intrudes into the rear seats,
which are angled toward the middle--more cramped than the kancil in
there! the smart is specifically a cool, functional city car. the mini is
more of a normal car with a funky design. so, your call, really =)

[coolguru]

Hi All,

Many thanks for your great feedback, I truly appreciated that.

And this is the first time I heard MINI2 is coming in 2006. How true is
that? Have you seen any photos of it? How it looks like?

Yes, comparatively I prefer MINI for the fun of driving, it's powerful,
fast around the corner and it just go like a go-kart but safer. Besides,
MINI is BMW, and it's about the Sheer Driving Pleasure.

And Smart, it's a tad too small since it fits only 2 persons. Plus, the
lower capacity of engine makes me feel a little uncomfortable as a Kancil
can easily outrun me at the traffic light. I'm paying at least 2.5 times
more than a Kancil.

If not for speed, then I think MINI has at least crafted a niche market in
lifestyle. So it's easier to get into the groove on MINI than Smart.

However, Smart has a point with lower capacity engine hence lower
maintenance, petrol consumption and longer engine life.

And if not for speed and lifestyle, both won't come as a comfortable
package I believe. MINI is about go-kart feeling so don't expect it to be
hugely comfortable like a sedan car. Smart, I think it's not quite smart
for a huge mass person.

Emm... so it's still tough to make the decision especially reading the bit
about MINI2 coming in 2006 (how true is it?).

Thanks again.


Cheers.

[sandtroop]

Ler...how to compare between Mini & Smart. It's like comparing diffrent
classes. Despite the 86k price tag for SMART, elsewhere it's a budget car-
heck i think a german auto magazine bought one and put it through a crash
test! (UK price approx 6k pounds- waja or the impian is more expensive)
while Minis are in a category of its own- luxury small car-11k pounds for
Mini One..so cannot compare la like that