Is the smart car rear-engine?

[LorenzoMarie]

smart is a rear-engine car with a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, meaning the engine is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, integrated with the differential and manual transmission, and the rear wheels are the driving wheels. The engine is placed behind the rear axle. By positioning the engine at the rear, the car eliminates the need for a driveshaft, which reduces manufacturing costs to some extent and increases traction due to the absence of the driveshaft. smart is a microcar jointly produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz and Swiss watch company SWATCH, currently under the Daimler Group. It is equipped with 0.9T and 1.0L engines, featuring turbocharged and naturally aspirated intake methods respectively, with actual displacements of 898ml and 999ml.

[CharlieRose]

As someone who frequently interacts with various small cars, I've always found the design of smart cars quite clever. Most of them feature a rear-engine layout, meaning the engine is placed beneath the trunk at the back. This configuration is primarily for space-saving purposes, given the compact size of smart cars—placing the engine at the rear allows for a more spacious front cabin for passengers. When driving, you can feel the rear-wheel drive, which provides peppy acceleration and nimble handling, making it especially convenient for navigating through city streets. However, there are drawbacks, such as needing specialized tools to access the engine cover for maintenance, making upkeep more troublesome than with conventional cars, and potentially louder noise levels, though this can be mitigated with better soundproofing pads. Overall, this design has proven reliable since the 1990s. If you're considering buying a new smart car, pay attention to the cooling system and maintain the engine well to ensure a longer lifespan.

[SanJoy]

Hey, I've been driving a Smart as my daily driver for several years now. It's no secret that the engine is indeed at the back. The driving feel is quite unique – as soon as the car moves, you feel like you're being pushed forward, unlike some front-wheel-drive cars that pull you along. Parking is super convenient; the short rear overhang makes reversing into a spot as easy as playing a game. But you do need to be careful – since the engine is under the trunk, watch out for hot components when loading or unloading stuff. For maintenance, checking the lights is something you can do yourself, but for tasks like oil changes, I'd recommend going to a professional shop. After all, the engine's special location requires special tools. I think this design makes the Smart particularly nimble in the city, though cold starts in winter might take a bit longer to warm up – just bundle up a bit more.

[Ross]

Looking back at the auto show days, I was particularly fascinated by the history of smart. It originated from the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch. The 1994 concept car featured a rear-mounted engine, mimicking the classic Porsche layout. Engineers aimed to maximize space savings by placing the engine at the rear, creating a unique rear-wheel-drive experience that felt nimble with a touch of sportiness. Modern smart models, like the EQ electric version, inherit this philosophy with battery placement maintaining the same position. The tight handling makes driving on winding roads fun, though the engine position slightly limits rear visibility. This unchanging design continues the classic legacy – truly admirable designer wisdom.