FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

[QUOTE=Bichon;9037965

It may be technically infinite MPG, but since electricity isn't free that really isn't a useful comparison. The EPA rates electric cars in MPGe, which correlates different fuels (gasoline, electricity, compressed natural gas) based on their energy content, so that a meaningful comparison can be made between alternative and traditionally fueled vehicles.

I believe the Tesla Model S is rated at 88 MPGe city, and 90 MPGe highway.[/QUOTE]

That is good to know. Yeah, there is no free energy. Mechanical force has to be transformed from something. In Tesla car case, it is not the gas combustion but rather electric so mile per gallon is not applicable. I like the new MPGe term and even like it more that we can use it in a sense like the MPG so we can have some kind of comparison even though it is not direct comparison.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

the biggest issue is still the RANGE you can drive....265 miles with a 85kWh battery. Unless you live in a metro area, it's not that easy to find a "Supercharger" (and it'll still takes 75 minute to fully charge it)

http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/driv...model-s-family

eplugplay

I think Tesla cars are very nice and the idea of charging it (even if it takes an hour and a half) is still a great idea but I don't think its economical in any means right now.

Maybe when those charging stations are all over the United States and the price of the car drops down to the low 30k range and only then it would be feasible but for now it is just nothing more than the highest of the highest luxury item.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Yeah, I think it is currently not convenient to drive a Tesla in some of the states because of the lack of charging stations.

In Southern CA nowadays, however, do have a lot of Tesla everywhere. In the city I live in, lots of family have one and that makes me wanna buy one too haha. I'm still waiting to see more advancement from Tesla especially with more range of driving and faster charging.

Bichon

I'm surprised at the number of Teslas I see on the road here in NJ, given the lack of charging stations. I'm guessing that these are mostly multi-car households where the EV is being charged at home and used for local driving/commuting while the gas car(s) are used for longer trips.

I'd like to see something even more revolutionary than evolutionary. Like the technology being developed at Stanford to wirelessly recharge cars as they are being driven down the highway: http://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/f...ge-020112.html

NickTee

Why not design these "revolutions" yourself? People love to complain about how they want to see something completely new, yet they put zero effort into it and complain when it doesn't happen.

MWIS350

Keep Is350 for Summer and Honda Accord for all season. I like to have 2 car for back up.

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

there is huge difference in ride/ NVH/ and of course quality of the build/materials between Honda and Lexus.

darkdream

That would not work in the US. Too much in-fracture, maybe a small country in Singapore. There would be little point to do that in just the big city.

darkdream

Tesla is coming out with a 40k or so SUV. The car after that, the model 3 should be in the 30k range.

You can get a charger installed at your house so unless you are driving that many miles on a daily basis, I think it is economical. Also most people driving that much on a daily basis can't afford it.

eplugplay

I used to think the materials used were better on my IS350 but I'm starting to think otherwise. Maybe its because my Accord Hybrid is larger but I do feel that when I go over bumps the "thud" or "bumping" noises/rattle are minimized and hardly felt (smoother).

I haven't seen or taken a look at Honda lately since owning my 2002 Civic EX Coupe but I really like what they're doing right now, especially in the technology section. I think all the new Honda models are fully equipped with the lane change right camera and back up camera, which is very nice and so useful. So far I'd say this Accord Hybrid has been the smoothest ride I've ever driven. I probably would think other wise if I would have say driven a GS or LS model (bigger body perhaps?). One thing that I can say that my most favorite feature of the Accord is that the visibility is awesome. When you just do a 360 look from the inside, you can see everything so easily that its so comfortable.

Although I do miss the acceleration of my IS350, the Accord Hybrid has been a joy to drive as its very quiet, roomy inside, instant torque when you need it during traffic (so much fun) and the handling (in my opinion and I'm sure 2014+ IS350 is a different story) is miles better on the curves and turns.

If you guys are curious, please go take a test drive of the new Hybrid Accord when you have time! It would make an awesome second economic fun car to drive for some of you if you were looking for one.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

It is getting a bit funny when you keep repeating Honda Hybrid handles better, and even "miles better than" Lexus IS350. It is getting to a point where your blind obsession with the Hybrid leading to misleading statement. A Honda Hybrid in NO WAY handles better than Lexus IS350. In fact, the Lexus IS350 DESTROYS Honda Hybrid in every performance aspect: Acceleration, braking and cornering! 0.70 G vs 0.59 G and 26.3 seconds vs. 28.1 seconds are BIG DIFFERENCEs in figure eight measures. IS350 DESTROYS the Honda Hybrid in cornering and this is a fact!

The two cars are belonging to different categories. IS350 is in the sport sedan segment while the Honda Hybrid is more a family oriented car where it is not made for performance but more for comfort. Claiming Honda Hybrid handles better than IS350 is just...ridiculous.

I have also driven both cars and even autocross/track the IS350 several times.

I currently can't find the figures for 2nd generation IS but I know that the 2nd generation IS is even better than the 3rd generation in term of handling. May be someone can chime in.

Anyways, I hope these information clear up your wrong opinion.

2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport
BASE PRICE $40,360
PRICE AS TESTED $47,765
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE 3.5L/306-hp/277-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3797 lb (54/46%)
WHEELBASE 110.2 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 183.7 x 71.3 x 56.3 in
0-60 MPH 5.5 sec
QUARTER MILE 14.0 sec @ 98.5 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 114 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.86 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.3 sec @ 0.70 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 19/28 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 177/120 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS 0.87 lb/mile

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz3aVZZnodJ

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
BASE PRICE $35,695
PRICE AS TESTED $35,695
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE 2.0L/141-hp/122-lb-ft Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus 166-hp/226-lb-ft electric motor; 196 hp comb
TRANSMISSION Cont. variable auto
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3535 lb (59/41%)
WHEELBASE 109.3 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 192.2 x 72.8 x 57.5 in
0-60 MPH 7.1 sec
QUARTER MILE 15.6 sec @ 90.0 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 118 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.80 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.1 sec @ 0.59 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 50/45 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 67/75 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS 0.41 lb/mile

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz3aVZjCGHz

JDR76

Congratulations on your new ride! I'm glad that you're enjoying it.

You should share some pictures!

eplugplay

Besides the numbers you've provided on a track, in my real world experience I find the Accord much better in the handling department. Now when I say better, I'm not saying that it will do it faster than an IS350 on a track, what I'm referring to is the comfort level when turning or going on long curvy roads. When I drove my IS350 on a daily basis the past 2 years and whenever I come to a long curve, turning at the same speeds as I do now with my Accord felt like my car was going to start skidding with really heavy body roll. Could I have made those turns, yes but would it have felt comfortable, no.

I don't care about the track or numbers of how fast it can go, the only thing I care about is how well and comfortable it actually handles when you do make sharp turns and to me thats the very first thing I've noticed when driving the new Accord.

I don't mean to offend you but I honestly think that you're the one that is blind here. I know for a fact that the 3rd generation IS350 is miles better in handling than the 2nd generation that is the reason why I'm referring to and comparing my Accord's handling to a 2nd generation as mine was the 2013 model just before the major changes. No matter what the numbers you provide, I'm not arguing that. What I am arguing is that just basic every day driving, it handles alot better in corners comfortably where my car doesn't feel like its going to tip over at the same speeds. This is the reason why I was so highly interested in the sway bar set because I was so disappointed in the handling of my IS350.

eplugplay

Thanks! I'll post up some pics when I have time later this week. Hopefully in a few years from now (hoping to get married and settle down etc..), that I can get a nice weekend car second hand and possibly jump back to a Lexus (maybe even an ISF).