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April 12, 2005
How I feel about hybrids
I have now driven the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord, Civic, and Insight. All hybrid models. The systems vary slightly between models and brands, but the theory is the same. Combine an electric motor and a gasoline engine to create bettter fuel economy. Well, it works. Sort of. With the exception of the Accord (and it's 255 bhp), all the vehicles were significantly slow on the uptake. The Insight (first on U.S. roads) compensated by giving the maximum torque below 2000 rpm. This allows for quite speedy acceleration at low speeds. Essentially, driving around town is fine, it only feels underpowered when merging onto I-95. The Prius was just oo busy. Toyota tried too hard to be techy. The displays for everything are located in places that are simply too much of a diversion while driving to be of much use. I also had the most trouble with rear visibility in the Prius. I think what they all need is a nice propane jet engine to help with the 0-60 bit. I think I'm going to aim for the Insight on my next car purchase. but a California or New York model. Better emissions. Check it out. I'm still waiting for Hydrogen fuel cells. I want to get rid of gasoline entirely.
Posted by Daniel at April 12, 2005 06:02 PM
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