One of the biggest drawbacks in driving a very light car at highway speeds is its susceptibility to wind. The Smart's relatively tall cross-section only enhances this spinnaker-like quality. And it's extreme shortness doesn't help - it adds to it's darty, direction-changing ways in a strong crosswind. The effect can be reduced somewhat by rolling down the Smart's extra large side windows, reducing it's effective side area and allowing the window to pass through.
The wind factor is especially noticeable when crossing our many Bay Area bridges. I was driving across the Golden Gate Bridge this afternoon and a sudden, strong gust blew my cap off - a first for me in after many years of driving convertibles. The car itself hardly shifted though - I guess it's more of an effect you feel rather than a legitimate driving hazard.
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