Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

[Canadian Turbo]

Well I have been really excited by small hatch backs lately and even thinking of perhaps getting one to suppliment my Jetta. My two favorites of the moment are the Echo Hatch and the Smart ForTwo Coupe.

The Echo begins around 12,000 for the three door but with any real options it gets to be around 14-16 grand. The car does have a 108hp 16v 4 cylinder, a good aftermarket because of the Vitz and Yaris and can be made to be pretty cool.


However the Smart starts around 16,000 but exact numbers are not available yet that I have seen. This car has a 3 cylinder 40hp diesel, great aftermarket and is RWD and euro style.


So what do you guys think of these cars and which one would you pick if you were faced with such a choice.

[Kor]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

Speed?

[liquid]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

I doubt I'd buy either one of them.... but I would take the smart over the Echo Hatch anyday. If you're looking for something to cruise in other than your jetta, get an older e30 BMW

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

Well the Echo is a 5 speed with 0-100 in about 9 secs and the Smart is a 6 speed squential and I am not sure how true this is but all I could find is a 0-100 time of 19 secs and it is limited to 135km/h would for sure need a chip

[Boy Racer]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

My vote goes for the Smart + Upsolute Chip + Brabus goodies. Would be an awesome car and with chipped diesel torque in a lightweight, rear drive car...

[Derick]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

Well, I like little hatches. But these 2 cars sort of cross the line between pocket rocket, and just plain tiny. I don't think I'd rock either because my fragile ego would never be able to withstand my car being called "cute". Having said that, I'd probably get the Echo simply based on the fact that it's bigger. Also, the TRD designed Echo at SCN was pretty cool. I think when I see the smart cars driving around the city, I'll be filled with an overwhelming urge to crash my full-sized car into them

[Kor]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

Well, I like little hatches. But these 2 cars sort of cross the line between pocket rocket, and just plain tiny. I don't think I'd rock either because my fragile ego would never be able to withstand my car being called "cute". Having said that, I'd probably get the Echo simply based on the fact that it's bigger. Also, the TRD designed Echo at SCN was pretty cool. I think when I see the smart cars driving around the city, I'll be filled with an overwhelming urge to crash my full-sized car into them

Yes, that TRD charged Echo was awesome. One of the coolest cars at the show, and it was all dealership! I would definitely rather have something like that than a Smart.

The Smart is a cool car but after the first 6 to 8 months I am not sure it will hold up.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

its all about the mangello yo!

that smart car looks like a deathtrap IMO.. you'd be a nice red paste coming out of a crash in that thing.. personally i woulnd't get either but i guess you get good mileage with them.. start shifting at 2500-3gs like me blair and you'll see the mileage rise

[Stonewall]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

start shifting at 2500-3gs like me blair and you'll see the mileage rise

I don't think it is the milage he is worried about, I think it is the fact he would make a great snow plow Whats my name, my name again is Mr.Plow

[bart]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

do not get the echo.

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

Lol I just really like small hatches and am thinking it could be fun to have small cars. I always like a bit of impracticallity (having a low family car) so having a very small car I think is cool just because it goes against the normal truck suv mini-van stuff we see every day. I am not sure if I would get either as I have never even driven one but I see big potential in both, just wish we could get a Smart with a bigger engine like the 60hp diesel or a Brabus 74hp TD would really be sweet! The Echo at SCN is what started me on this but I think that car was probably around 40grand when all was said and done which is very impractical

[kuhli]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooo

[Tuna]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

I like the echo, I looked at them when they first came out (was gonna get one to drive and park the 'rado), and then again recently when a friend of mine started looking at cars. The only thing I don't like is that you can't get a "loaded" 2-door. I don't know, I like small cars too, like i'm always looking at polo and lupo pictures but you have to be able to live with the small car issues, pride being the major one . That's one of the things that detered me initially. I like the smart too and it would be different, and I don't think it would be that unsafe as you're basically sitting in a big roll cage, but it's only a 2 seater with no trunk, and slooooooow (although the guy on the upsolute site that chipped his thought it was the greatest car in the world!), but what do I know I drive a CL!

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

Well if we could get one I think my first choice would be a Lupo!! However no dice, too bad

Here are a couple pics of what the next gen Lupo GTI should look like!!!





I think it looks sweet and would love to have one!!!!!

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Echo Hatch vs. Smart Car

Although nothing wrong with this either