MotorWeek face-off: Prius, Insight, Fusion, Jetta TDI, A3 TDI & Smart
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,350
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From: California
Useless in snow? Not so sure about it. The new Prius has more torque than the old model, and torque always helps in snow. I can't imagine the Prius being any more useless in snow than a typical 4 cylinder Honda. I've driven torque-less Hondas in snow, and they are quite close to useless.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
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From: MA
Really? I guess you haven't seen/read the reviews for the Gen 3 Prius over in Europe. European car mags and car shows actually *like* the handling of the new Prius, so that should tell you how much of an improvement it is over the Gen 2 in terms of being fun.
Useless in snow? Not so sure about it. The new Prius has more torque than the old model, and torque always helps in snow. I can't imagine the Prius being any more useless in snow than a typical 4 cylinder Honda. I've driven torque-less Hondas in snow, and they are quite close to useless.
Useless in snow? Not so sure about it. The new Prius has more torque than the old model, and torque always helps in snow. I can't imagine the Prius being any more useless in snow than a typical 4 cylinder Honda. I've driven torque-less Hondas in snow, and they are quite close to useless.
Torque means nothing in the snow if there is no traction. The Prius with those low roll resistance tires will not do very good in the snow.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,350
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From: California
My parents got through Tahoe snow in a 1986 Mercedes 420SEL with Michelin Energy MXV4 tires - and those were 1st generation LRR tires, Michelin also gave those the Radial XSE designation. The new Prius uses Yokohama non-LRR or Bridgestone Ecopia LRR tires.
I was able to cruise past SUVs after a snowfall on I-80 with no traction aids on a set of 15% worn Michelin Pilots as well...
I was able to cruise past SUVs after a snowfall on I-80 with no traction aids on a set of 15% worn Michelin Pilots as well...
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The Fusion 32 might sound bad but still, that is a very high MPG figure for a mid size sedan.
I guess that shows just how well the hybrid synergy drive system works. Reviews have all stated they are surprised how well the HS drove.
I guess that shows just how well the hybrid synergy drive system works. Reviews have all stated they are surprised how well the HS drove.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,626
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Unfortunately, the new Honda Insight isn't any better overall. Its sheet metal and interior plastics are a little more solid than those of the Prius, and it handles a little better, but the back seat/headroom is basically for children, and its jerky hybrid drivetrain cannot match that of the more efficient, refined, and smoother Prius.
Last edited by mmarshall; Sep 9, 2009 at 02:46 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: none
Maybe you are right, maybe Toyota and Lexus have finally gotten sick of hearing reviewer making fun of their handling. I know that the new RX handles a bit better, maybe the new Prius does too. Never the less, compare a Prius' handling to a Audi is pretty much a joke.
Torque means nothing in the snow if there is no traction. The Prius with those low roll resistance tires will not do very good in the snow.
Torque means nothing in the snow if there is no traction. The Prius with those low roll resistance tires will not do very good in the snow.
The Fusion Hybrid is Ford's best effort and I'm really impressed (esp. since it beats the TCH in fuel economy). I just wished Ford would promote it more and show that they have a viable alternative to the Camry and Prius.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: MD
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: A better place
I respect the mag's opinion, but I have to disagree. The 2Gen Prius, in my experience, with its tall, skinny tires, soft suspension, narrowness, and relatively high center of gravity, had classic Roly-Poly handling and slow steering response. I reviewed a 2010 3Gen Phase V model, the top-of-the-line model with the most aggressive tire/suspension combo, and the handling and steering response didn't seem much better at all. What's more, sheet metal and interior-material quality took a nose dive from the 2Gen to the 3Gen model.
Unfortunately, the new Honda Insight isn't any better overall. Its sheet metal and interior plastics are a little more solid than those of the Prius, and it handles a little better, but the back seat/headroom is basically for children, and its jerky hybrid drivetrain cannot match that of the more efficient, refined, and smoother Prius.
Unfortunately, the new Honda Insight isn't any better overall. Its sheet metal and interior plastics are a little more solid than those of the Prius, and it handles a little better, but the back seat/headroom is basically for children, and its jerky hybrid drivetrain cannot match that of the more efficient, refined, and smoother Prius.
I guess it's a matter of opinion ... many reviews also say the new Prius has better handling and a better interior than the Insight.
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Lake Country, WI
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
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From: MA
I have gone thru over 2 ft of snow in other cars with all season tires. We have 2 Prius where I work and we do not change over our Prius to snow tires. They basically stay grounded all winter.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2003
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From: Massachusetts
Car Type Drive mpg /EPA mpg
--- ---- --------- -------
1. 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid 49.2 /50.0
2. 2010 Honda Insight hybrid 40.5 /41.0
3. 2010 Audi A3 TDI diesel 38.2 /34.0
4. 2009 VW Jetta TDI diesel 36.2 /34.0
5. 2009 Smart ForTwo gasoline 35.3/ 36.0
6. 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid 32.9 /39.0
For example, many can achieve over 60 mpg with the Prius. And remember the crew that achieved 1,445 miles on a single tank (81.5 mpg) in the Fusion (under extreme measures of course but still possible).
And I might add that I easily beat all but the Prius and Insight without trying (39 mpg driving 75 mph). Yaris!
I can get 42 mpg at 65 mph. And about 46 mpg @ 55 mph. And it doesn't require premium like the Smart.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: MA