Why would someone choose a Smart car over a Prius as the Prius gets better gas mileage and is much larger?

Question

Why would someone choose a Smart car over a Prius as the Prius gets better gas mileage and is much larger?

Answer 1

They should not. We love our 04 Prius and will use it for years.

Answer 2

For me the main reason would be that the Smart car costs much less (many thousands less) than the Prius.  Many people think it is a much "cooler" car than the Prius.  From people I have talked to, the mileage is about the same.

Answer 3

The Prius is not an environmentaly friendly car! You cannot recycle batteries, it costs more than low emissions gas equivalent and it doesn't get that much better mileage. It would take 20 years of driving a hybrid to cover the extra cost associated with it even with "better" fuel economy. The Smart car is the smarter choice (sorry i had to do it). It is scary small though. People believe t what they are told about hybrids being better without actually doing any research.  

Answer 4

the Smart is the "IN" car

the coolest on the block

if you own one you'll be honked at, waived at and asked questions at every stop.

it's not a good choice for Hwy driving only short trips in the City.

if you want to be popular it's the hottest thing going but if your "Smart"

you'll buy a Honda Fit

avoid the Toyota Yaris it's not ppl friendly.

Answer 5

Despite it's high gas mileage, the Prius is not environmentally friendly. The amount of power that it takes to manufacture and dispose of it's battery actually makes it less environmentally friendly than buying any plain 'ole used car, not to mention a Smart car.

Answer 6

Hiya,

I have live overseas in Japan and Ive seen the size of the smart car. It fits small roads in asia and europe, As for america i'd select the Smart because it easy for city driving. If i lived in the country I would take the prius.

Billy

Answer 7

the prius is a new car that still has some kinks when it comes to the engines.  The worry is that the battery will die within 5 years and the engines will go much quicker due to the alternating power between them.  Some people just think smart cars are cool and like that they are tiny.  It's like a motor cycle with a cage.

Answer 8

because they're cheaper, you don't have to worry about the battery blowing out on you, they're easier to park, better in traffic, and it has a cool new look to it.

The Prius's battery is only guaranteed to last for 10 years. What happens after that?

Answer 9

Not everyone needs or wants a "larger" vehicle.  Most times I'm driving I'm the only one in the car so why do I need something larger than my smart fortwo?  I don't.  I can take long road trips in the smart, and it's comfortable and cheap to drive.  I can go shopping at Costco, and everything that fits in my shopping cart fits in the back of my car.  And, in my opinion, it's just a fun little car to drive.  For some smart owners, I think it's also just the novelty of having such a unique car.

I've owned a smart (model 450) for two years now and I wouldn't trade that car for anything.  The diesel engine gives me more power on the hills where I live (in the mountains) than the gas engine in my NIssan Sentra.

I bought the fortwo because it meets my needs and I like the car.  

Answer 10

There will be issues with the disposal of all the batteries, eventually.  So don't start thinking that the Prius is the "better" car!  *laughter*

Those Smart cars are a breeze to park too!

Answer 11

The Prius is twice the price, but it's more than twice the car.

More room, more doors, more seats, better gas mileage, more power, more safety, etc.....

The people that buy the Smart cars seem to think it's Euro cool. With the same money, they could get a much larger and more fuel efficient Honda fit or Toyota Yaris.

Answer 12

in england there are smart cars around every corner , i think its because they are so good in town traffic,easy to park in small gaps,turn out good mileage,they are spacious and are cheaper than the prius to buy.and finally the ladies love them cos they are so girlie!.

Answer 13

I laugh everytime I see a smart car...it looks like a toy!