Compact cars Smart have long become a symbol of urban mobility, but their miniature size is often misleading: many people think that the weight of such cars is hundreds of kilograms, like a moped. In fact, even the lightest model Smart Fortwo the first generation weighs more than 700 kg, and modern electric versions have crossed the ton mark. Why is this important? Weight directly affects fuel consumption, acceleration dynamics, brake pad wear and even whether you can transport the car on a standard-capacity tow truck.
In this article we will analyze the weight of all generations Smart Fortwo, Forfour and electrical Smart EQ, compare them with competitors (like Toyota IQ or Fiat 500), and also answer practical questions: how does weight affect operation, is it possible to tow Smart on a car trailer, and why electric versions are 200–300 kg heavier than gasoline ones. If you are planning to buy, sell or transport such a car, here you will find exact numbers and nuances that dealers are silent about.
Spoiler: the lightest Smart Fortwo (1998–2007) weighed 750 kg, and the heaviest Smart #1 (2026) weighed almost 1.2 tons, 300 kg of which was the battery. But let's take it in order.
1. Weight of Smart Fortwo by generation: from 750 kg to 1 ton
Model Smart Fortwo is the flagship of the brand, and its weight has evolved along with technology. First generation (1998–2007), known as C450, was a real first-born in the minicar class. Its body was made of plastic panels attached to a steel frame, which made it possible to reduce weight to 750–810 kg depending on the configuration. For comparison: Volkswagen Lupo of the same period weighed 100–150 kg more.
Second generation (C451, 2007–2014) gained weight up to 880–930 kg due to a reinforced body, additional safety systems (like ESP) and more powerful engines. Third generation (C453, 2014–2026) crossed the psychological mark in 1 ton — modern crash test standards, climate control and multimedia systems have already played a role here.
Interesting fact: Smart Fortwo Cabrio weighs 20–30 kg more than the closed version due to the reinforced roll cage. But the electric one Smart EQ Fortwo (2017–2026) heavier to 1100–1150 kg - This is due to the 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, which itself weighs about 200 kg.
- 🚗 1st generation (1998–2007): 750–810 kg
- 🔄 2nd generation (2007–2014): 880–930 kg
- ⚡ 3rd generation (2014–2026): 980–1050 kg (petrol), 1100–1150 kg (electric)
- ☀️ Cabrio: +20–30 kg to the basic version
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to transport Smart Fortwo on a trailer, keep in mind that even the lightest first generation exceeds the maximum load on the coupling device of most passenger cars (usually 750 kg). A trailer with brakes or a tow truck will be required for transportation.
2. Smart Forfour: why is it 100–150 kg heavier than Fortwo
Model Smart Forfour appeared as a response to the requests of family buyers who needed more space. First Forfour (2004–2006, W454) was a joint development with Mitsubishi and weighed 930–980 kg - 150–200 kg more than Fortwo the same period. The reason is simple: an extended wheelbase (+36 cm), additional doors and a reinforced body to protect passengers in the rear row.
Second generation (W453, 2014–2026) has already been developed together with Renault (on the platform Twingo) and became heavier 1050–1100 kg. Modern engines (like the 0.9 TCe from Renault), automatic transmissions and additional equipment played a role here. Interestingly, the electric version Smart EQ Forfour weighs almost the same as a gasoline one - 1120–1180 kg, since it has a smaller battery than Fortwo (16.7 kWh vs. 17.6 kWh).
Compared with competitors, then Forfour turns out to be easier Fiat 500L (1200–1300 kg), but heavier Toyota Aygo (900–950 kg). This is logical: Smart remains in the "micro" class, but with an emphasis on premium and safety.
| Model | Generation | Weight (gasoline), kg | Weight (electric), kg | Reason for the increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forfour W454 | 1st (2004–2006) | 930–980 | — | Long wheelbase, 4 doors |
| Forfour W453 | 2nd (2014–2026) | 1050–1100 | 1120–1180 | Modern safety standards, automatic transmission |
| Fiat 500L | — | 1200–1300 | — | Larger interior volume |
3. Electric Smart EQ: why are they 200–300 kg heavier
Switch to electricity added Smart not only environmentally friendly, but also extra pounds. Let's take for example Smart EQ Fortwo (2017–2026): its gasoline version weighs ~1000 kg, and its electric version weighs 1100–1150 kg. The difference is 200 kg almost entirely comes from the 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. At the same time Smart EQ Forfour 30–50 kg lighter, since its battery is smaller (16.7 kWh).
Why so many? The point is that Smart uses liquid-cooled batteries, which adds weight but increases lifespan. For comparison: Renault Twizy (another minicar) weighs only 475 kg, but its battery is 2 times smaller (6.1 kWh), and the maximum speed is limited to 80 km/h.
It is important to understand that additional weight affects:
- 🔋 Power reserve: the heavier the car, the faster the battery discharges (by 10–15% under equal conditions).
- 🛞 Tire and brake wear: The electric motor provides instant torque, which accelerates tire wear.
- 💰 Insurance cost: in some countries, the weight of the car affects the calculation of compulsory motor liability insurance.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to charge Smart EQ from a household outlet, keep in mind that the weight of the battery requires secure fastening of the charging cable. If dropped from a height (for example, from a balcony), the cable may damage the connector or even cause a short circuit.
When purchasing a used Smart EQ, check the battery weight in the paperwork. If it is less than 180 kg, perhaps the previous owner replaced it with a non-original (cheap) version with a smaller capacity.
4. Comparison with competitors: who is lighter and who is heavier
To understand how much Smart stands out from other minicars, let's compare it with its main competitors. For example, Toyota IQ (2008–2015) weighs 920–960 kg - almost like Smart Fortwo second generation, but at the same time offers 4 full seats (albeit cramped). But Fiat 500 (2007–2026) lighter in the basic configuration - 865–920 kg, but its electric version Fiat 500e steps over a ton (1010–1080 kg), as well as Smart EQ.
Interesting case - Citroën Ami (2020–present). This "quadricycle" weighs only 485 kg, but its maximum speed is limited to 45 km/h, and its motor power is 6 kW. In fact, this is not a car, but an “improved moped”, whereas Smart remains a full-fledged car with a permitted speed of up to 130–150 km/h.
But Mini Cooper (2014–2026), considered by many to be a competitor Smartalready weighs 1200–1350 kg - This is a different class, close to subcompact hatchbacks. The difference in weight is explained not only by the size, but also by the premium filling: leather interior, panoramic roof, adaptive suspension.
| Model | Weight (gasoline), kg | Weight (electric), kg | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Fortwo (3rd generation) | 980–1050 | 1100–1150 | The lightest in the class of premium minicars |
| Toyota IQ | 920–960 | — | 4 seats, but cramped interior |
| Fiat 500e | 865–920 | 1010–1080 | The electric version is 150 kg heavier |
| Citroën Ami | — | 485 | Not a car, but a quadricycle (max. speed 45 km/h) |
Smart Fortwo remains the lightest premium minicar, but loses practicality to competitors with 4 doors (like Toyota IQ or Fiat 500).
5. How weight affects operation: consumption, dynamics, towing
The weight of a car is not just a number in the technical specifications. It directly affects how the car behaves on the road, how much fuel it uses, and even how much you pay for insurance. Let's take, for example, fuel consumption: Smart Fortwo the first generation with a weight of 750 kg and a 0.6 liter engine consumed only 4.5–5.5 l/100 km. Modern Fortwo (1000 kg) with a 0.9 l engine already consumes 5.5–6.5 l/100 km — the difference of 1–1.5 liters is directly related to the weight gain.
No less important question towing. Many owners Smart are faced with a problem: their car cannot be transported on a car trailer, since most trailers have a maximum load capacity of 750 kg (without brakes) or 1500 kg (with brakes). But even for a trailer with brakes the weight Smart EQ (1100–1150 kg) + the weight of the trailer itself (200–300 kg) is approaching the limit. The solution is to rent a tow truck or trailer with a reinforced structure.
Acceleration dynamics also depend on weight. For example, Smart Fortwo first generation with a 0.6 l engine (61 hp) accelerated to 100 km/h in 15.5 seconds. Modern Fortwo with a 0.9 l (90 hp) engine and a weight of 1000 kg does it in 10.5 seconds — the increase in power outweighs the increase in weight. But the electric one Smart EQ (82 hp, 1100 kg) accelerates in 11.5 seconds — the weight of the battery already affects this.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: +1–1.5 l/100 km for every 100 kg of weight.
- 🚛 Towing: Smart heavier than 750 kg cannot be transported on a trailer without brakes.
- 🏁 Dynamics: an increase of 100 kg increases acceleration to 100 km/h by 0.5–1 second.
Determine the exact weight of your model (see PTS)
Make sure the trailer has a braking system (if weight >750 kg)
Check the maximum load on your car's coupling device
Use safety ropes (even if weight is within normal limits)
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6. Weight of Smart #1 (2026): a new record of 1.2 tons
In 2026 Smart introduced a new model - Smart #1, which became the brand's first SUV. And here the weight reached record values: 1100–1200 kg depending on the configuration. The reason is simple: this is no longer a minicar, but a full-fledged crossover with a length of 4.27 m (versus 2.7 m for Fortwo). The battery here is 66 kWh (versus 17.6 kWh for EQ Fortwo), which adds about 400 kg to the total weight.
For comparison: Tesla Model 3 weighs 1600–1800 kg, but this is a D-class sedan. Smart #1 closer in size to Volkswagen T-Roc (1400–1500 kg), but 200–300 kg lighter due to the aluminum body and compact dimensions. Interestingly, despite the weight, Smart #1 accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds thanks to the 272 hp engine. - that's faster than many sports cars from 10 years ago.
However, this weight also has a downside:
- 🔌 Charging: The 66 kWh battery requires a powerful station (minimum 50 kW) for fast charging.
- 💥 Repair cost: aluminum body is more expensive to restore after an accident.
- 🛣️ Suspension: even on smooth asphalt, the “heaviness” of the car is felt when passing speed bumps.
Why is Smart #1 not sold in Russia?
The model is not officially certified for the Russian market due to the lack of demand for premium electric crossovers in this segment. In addition, the high weight (1.2 tons) requires reinforced suspension for our roads, which would increase the price by 20–30%.
7. How to find out the exact weight of your Smart: documents and practical tips
If you need to know the exact weight of your Smart, first of all check PTS (vehicle passport). Column "14. Permitted maximum weight" indicates the weight of the equipped vehicle (with fuel, oil, but without passengers). For example, for Smart Fortwo 451 (2007–2014) it will be indicated there 930 kg, and for Smart EQ Forfour — 1180 kg.
But what to do if the title is lost or you are buying a car second-hand? Here are some ways:
- 🔍 VIN decoder: on sites like
vin-decoder.ruorcarvertical.comyou can enter the VIN and get technical data, including weight. - ⚖️ Car scales: many scrap metal collection points or car services have platform scales (the service costs 200–500 rubles).
- 📄 Technical documentation: on the website Smart (section "Technical Data") there are PDF files with scales for each model and configuration.
Important: if you plan tuning (for example, installation of gas equipment or reservation), keep in mind that this will increase the weight by 50–150 kg. In this case, it will be necessary to make changes to the PTS, since exceeding the permitted weight by 5% or more is considered a violation (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
⚠️ Attention: When buying used Smart check whether it has been in an accident with body deformation. Even minor repairs using welding can add 20–30 kg of “extra” weight due to the weld metal, which will affect handling.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Smart Auto weight
Is it possible to transport the Smart Fortwo on a car trailer?
No, if your weight Smart exceeds 750 kg (and this is almost all models except the first generation). For transportation you will need a trailer with a brake system (maximum weight up to 1500 kg) or a tow truck. Also check the maximum load on the coupling device of your car - it is indicated in the owner's manual.
Why is the electric Smart 200 kg heavier than the gasoline one?
The main reason is the lithium-ion battery, which weighs 180–220 kg. In addition, electric motors and battery cooling systems add another 30–50 kg. For example, battery Smart EQ Fortwo (17.6 kWh) weighs 200 kg, and Smart #1 (66 kWh) - already 400 kg.
How does weight affect the cost of MTPL insurance?
In Russia, the weight of the car does not directly affect the calculation of compulsory motor liability insurance, but indirectly it does. Insurance companies take into account engine power (which often correlates with weight) and maximum speed. For example, Smart Fortwo with a 0.9 l (90 hp) engine will cost more in insurance than a 0.6 l (61 hp) model, even if their weight differs slightly.
Which Smart model is the lightest?
The lightest production model is Smart Fortwo first generation (1998–2007, C450) in the basic configuration - its weight was 750 kg. For comparison: modern Smart #1 weighs 450 kg more.
Can a Smart be towed with a flexible hitch?
No, if the weight of the towed Smart exceeds 50% of the weight of the towing vehicle (clause 20.4 of the Russian Traffic Regulations). For example, if your car weighs 1500 kg, then you can only tow Smart weighing up to 750 kg (first generation). Other models will require a rigid hitch or tow truck.