| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1998 |
| Production Years: | 1998 - 2006 discontinued in 2006 |
Precise measurements of the 1998 Smart Fortwo Coupe, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 2500 mm98.4 in8.2 ft |
| Width: | 1515 mm59.6 in5.0 ft |
| Height: | 1549 mm61.0 in5.1 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 805 kg1775 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 990 kg2183 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Tire Sizes: | 145/65 R15 (W:145 | H:65 | D:15) 175/55 R15 (W:175 | H:55 | D:15) 175/50 R16 (W:175 | H:50 | D:16) 205/45 R16 (W:205 | H:45 | D:16) |
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450), produced from 1998 to 2006, represents one of the earliest models in the Smart Fortwo lineup designed specifically as an ultra-compact city vehicle. This generation is a two-seater coupe epitomizing efficient urban mobility with its remarkably small overall footprint. Measuring just 2500 mm (98.4 inches) in length, 1515 mm (59.6 inches) in width, and 1549 mm (61.0 inches) in height, the Fortwo Coupe is significantly smaller than a conventional compact car, making it ideal for tight city streets and parking spaces.
Despite its small size, the vehicle maintains a functional and practical design, featuring a lightweight curb weight of only 805 kg (1,774 lbs) and a maximum allowable weight of 990 kg (2,182 lbs). This low weight contributes to the vehicle's nimble handling and fuel efficiency. The Fortwo Coupe is equipped with tire sizes ranging from 145/65 R15 to 205/45 R16, which provide adequate grip and ride comfort relative to its small dimensions.
The C450 generation set the foundation for Smart's philosophy of maximizing space efficiency in a minimal footprint, which appealed especially to urban drivers facing crowded streets and limited parking options. Its compact body not only reduces urban congestion but also enhances maneuverability, while the coupe styling adds character to its functional design. Overall, the 1998-2006 Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) remains a notable example of innovative microcar design focused on practicality, economy, and smart city driving solutions.
Discover the standout features that make the 1998 Smart Fortwo Coupe a leader in its class
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The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450), produced from 1998 to 2006, features very compact dimensions ideal for urban driving. Its length measures 2500 mm (98.4 inches), width is 1515 mm (59.6 inches), and height stands at 1549 mm (60.9 inches). These measurements contribute to the car's renowned agility and ability to navigate tight city streets, parking spots, and narrow lanes with ease.
With a curb weight of 805 kg (1775 lbs) and a maximum allowable weight of 990 kg (2183 lbs), the Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) is exceptionally lightweight compared to most cars. This light weight supports nimble handling, improved fuel efficiency, and ease of maneuvering in congested urban environments. The relatively low maximum weight rating also reflects its compact design and limited passenger/cargo capacity typical of microcars.
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) accommodates several tire sizes including 145/65 R15, 175/55 R15, 175/50 R16, and 205/45 R16. Smaller tires like 145/65 R15 enhance ride comfort and reduce road noise, while wider tires such as 205/45 R16 improve road grip and cornering abilities. Choosing the right tire size depends on the desired balance between ride comfort and sporty performance.
Yes, the Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) fits easily into standard residential garages. Its compact length of 2500 mm (98.4 inches) and width of 1515 mm (59.6 inches) mean it occupies significantly less space than conventional vehicles. Most standard garages designed for regular-sized cars can accommodate this model being well under average widths (~2.4 meters) and lengths (~5 meters), making parking stress-free and space-efficient.
Despite its small external footprint, the Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) offers surprisingly efficient interior packaging for two occupants. The tall height of 1549 mm (60.9 inches) contributes to decent headroom, while the cabin's minimalist layout maximizes legroom and shoulder space within the 1515 mm (59.6 inches) width limit. However, cargo space remains limited due to the microcar design, making it best suited for city commuters with light luggage needs.
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) was the inaugural model from 1998 to 2006, so it has no predecessor generation under the Fortwo name. However, it established the benchmark for ultra-compact urban vehicles with its innovative, space-saving dimensions. It set the stage for subsequent models to follow its small footprint concept, prioritizing city-friendly size and efficiency.
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) is among the smallest microcars produced during the late 1990s and early 2000s. At just 2500 mm (98.4 inches) in length, it is shorter than many competitors, such as the Toyota iQ or Fiat 500 classic models, making it exceptionally easy to park and maneuver. Its narrow 1515 mm (59.6 inches) width is also below typical subcompact cars, carving out space-saving advantages matched only by a few other purpose-built microcars.
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) weighs just 805 kg (1775 lbs) when empty, considerably lighter than many other vehicles on the road. This low mass significantly improves fuel efficiency by requiring less energy to move the vehicle. Lightweight construction combined with small engine displacement and compact size means the Fortwo Coupe offers very economical city driving, reducing both fuel consumption and emissions.
Absolutely. The Fortwo Coupe (C450)'s very compact size—length of 2500 mm (98.4 inches) and narrow width of 1515 mm (59.6 inches)—allows it to fit into parking spots that most cars cannot. Its small turning radius enhances maneuverability, making parallel parking and tight spot parking straightforward tasks. This compactness was a core design goal to address urban mobility challenges, and the vehicle excels in this aspect.
Urban drivers benefit significantly from the Fortwo Coupe (C450)'s small footprint. With a length of only 2.5 meters, width just over 1.5 meters, and lightweight design, it offers unparalleled ease when navigating city streets packed with traffic, tight corners, and limited parking. Its compact size reduces stress in dense environments, lowers the risk of minor collisions, and allows it to park perpendicular or in tight parallel spaces unavailable to larger vehicles.
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