Date:         Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:23:44 -0700
Reply-To:     Matthias Kuster <matthiaskuster@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matthias Kuster <matthiaskuster@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      smart cars
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

The thing with this crash between an e-class and the smart that one
can clearly see is how fast the smart decelerates compared to the
benz. The benz keeps plowing on because of its mass for quite a bit
longer. The driver will most likely still be severally injured in the
Smart because of all the internal organs being thrown against the
ribcage at such a high speed, won't matter if driver cell is still
intact. Beer can vs keg. Amazing engineering however. Our Vanagons
are constructed similarly, with great energy absorption and
dissipation throughout. A crumple zone is irrelevant if it fails to
do that. And trucks in the US (this includes safety oozing SUVs) are
not required to do that, and prolly don't.
I crashed an expensive car  two years ago, started hydroplaning at 75
mph, did a 450 degree turn and then gained traction again and hit the
center divider head on. I would say I must have been going at least
35mph still when impact occurred at 90 degrees to center divider on
freeway. Not a scratch, airbags and energy absorption saved my life
maybe, most likely. The car even still drove fine and made the 100
mile trip home. I was shaking however and going maybe 40mph the whole
way. Car was not worth repairing however.
The Smart is too expensive, one is better off getting a Honda Fit or
Yaris. I think Penske is importing them in small batches, like 50000
max I think. mercedes didn't want to. Consumption is not all that
great either. Once the Diesel version is available (with particle
filter) it will be very amazing consumption wise. But even the
gasoline version is #1 when it comes to CO2 emissions me thinks.
Ahead of its time, for sure here in the US. But they look cool and I
have seen 3 here in SoCal freeways in the past month and they all
buzz along fine. My motorcycle seems longer than them though. Cover
it with solar panels and tug it with the Westy...funkeee!

Matthias