Aptera or Smartfortwo

You get a warm touchy touchy feeling when you see these two cars because well they aren’t trucks or race cars but well try. i like the design of the Aptera a lot I think it looks very modern and unique, too unique? Maybe. The Smartfortwo is uh okay I don’t think it has a great design but I do like the size very small perfect for stealing parking spaces? I don’t see this car succeeding in the U.S market very well, because we always carpool and we keep many things in our trunks but you never know with a price like $16,000 people may consider a smaller over the electric $26,900 Aptera price and the plug-in hybrid $29,900 pretty hefty compared to the smartfortwo. Here are some specs=

Smartfortwo(website)


Technical Data smart fortwo 52 kW
Engine
Displacement 1 liter / 61 cu inch
Number of cylinders/ configuration three in-line
Engine block/cylinder head aluminium
Valves four per cylinder
Engine capacity 61 cubic inch
Bore x stroke 2.83 x 3.22 inches
Rated output 52 kW / 70 hp @ 5800 rpms
Max. torque 68 lb ft @ 4500
Oil 3.5 qt (incl. filter)
Coolant
4.5 qt
Fuel delivery
electronic multipoint injection
Recommended fuel premium unleaded gasoline (min 91 octane)
Federal emissions BIN5 / ULEV (Cal.)

Power transmission
Clutch single-plate dry clutch
Transmission automated manual five-speed Transmission
Gear ratios: 1st (3.308)
2nd (1.913)
3rd (1.258)
4th (0.943)
5th (0.707)
Reverse (3.231)
Final drive (4.529)

Running gear
Front axle suspension lower wishbone, McPherson strut, anti-roll bar
Rear axle suspension DeDion axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers

Brake system dual-circuit brake system with tandem servo assistance
11 inch diameter disc brakes at front
8 inch diameter drum brakes at rear
electronic stability program (esp) with hill start assist
anti-lock braking system (abs) with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control system, electronic brake assist

Steering
rack-and-pinion steering

Wheels and tires (front/rear)

pure: steel, with wheel covers
passion: aluminium wheels
all-season tires on both models 155/60R15 on 4.5Jx15 (front),
175/55R15 on 5.5Jx15 (rear)

Dimensions and weights
Wheelbase 73.5 inches
Track width front/rear 50.51 inches/54.53 inches
Length 106.1 inches
Width 61.38 inches
Height 60.71 inches
Headroom 39.7 inches
Legroom 41.2 inches
Shoulder room 48 inches
Hip room 45.4 inches
Passenger volume 45.4 cu. ft.
Turning circle 28.7 ft
Luggage compartment capacity 7.8 (up to beltline)/12 (to roof) cu. ft.
ECE weight without driver 1,808 lbs (cabriolet: 1,852 lbs)
ECE Payload 507 lbs (cabriolet: 463 lbs)
ECE permissible maximum weight 2,315 lbs
Fuel tank capacity (reserve) 8.7 gal (includes 1.3 gal reserve)

Performance

Maximum speed 90 mph
Acceleration 0–60 mph 12.8 sec

Fuel consumption*
City/highway (mpg) 40/45 (EPA 2007); 33/41 (EPA 2008)


Aptera(website faQ)
How fast will the Aptera go?

At this time we are not able to post hard numbers on performance, although top speed for the production model will exceed 85 mph, going from 0-60 in under 10 seconds.



Can the Aptera be ordered without the rear camera and GPS?

We are considering what features will be standard equipment, and what will be a value-added option.



How long will it take to charge the Aptera?

This depends on the amount of battery discharge but a typical time would be 2 to 4 hours.



How much will it cost for an overnight charge?

Looking at typical California electricity rates the cost should be in the $1 to $2 range for an overnight charge.



Will you be able to accommodate tall drivers?

The Aptera will comfortably fit someone that is 6'1" and with minor seat pad adjustments you can be as tall as 6'5" and drive comfortably.



What is the turning radius?

The Aptera's turning radius will be similar to most small production cars.



What will be the battery life and cost replacement?

This depends largely on usage and if you have an "All Electric" or an "Electric Plug-in Hybrid" version of the Aptera. We will share these exact numbers when they become available closer to the start of Aptera production.



What is the seating and cargo space?

The Aptera has "two plus one" seating allowing plenty of room for driver and passenger while an infant seat (newborn to age three) can be located in the middle behind the front seating. There is enough storage space to fit 15 bags of groceries, two full-size golf club bags or even a couple of seven foot surf boards.



Does the Aptera fit into a parking space?

Yes, the Aptera fits in a standard parking space.



Where are the windshield wipers?

The windshield wipers are hidden and located at the base of the windshield to maintain efficient air flow over the Aptera's body.



Will you be able to get other colors?

Currently white is the only color that will initially be made available on the Aptera. White is a very effective color for keeping your Aptera cool in the summer and it makes the vehicle very identifiable at night which is an added safety feature. After initial production has begun we will look at different colors and possibly vinyl graphics to accessorize your Aptera.



Why aren't you using a diesel engine in the hybrid?

Due to the way diesel emissions are calculated (emissions per gallon instead of emissions per mile); it's proven impossible for us to find a suitable small Diesel engine that passes California emissions. That's why we're using a very clean, efficient, and small gasoline engine that will make the Aptera emissions friendly.



Can I change my vehicle from an electric to hybrid or vice versa?

In the coming months, the MyAptera.com owners' page will be made available. On this page, you will be able to adjust any option including hybrid/electric. Nothing is final until you receive your purchase agreement about a month prior to obtaining your vehicle.