The Prius hybrids (I've had two - 2002 & 2005 models) are NOT particular
as you say they are Brian. New battery technology is providing greater
energy density (less mass per capacity).
The next step will be a plug-in vehicle like the new Prius and the GM
Volt. They will get 40 miles on a change; and, the ultracapacitor electrical
storage now in research is expected to get about 150 miles on a charge. The
new hybrid models should have a range of up to 1000 miles. Current range
for a Prius with an eleven gallon tank is more than 500 miles on regular
gasoline which costs a lot less than diesel.
Stan Doore
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian J White" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 12:41 PM
Subject: [USMA:41128] Re: Prius vs. Insight
Current hybrids are a dead-end technology. Why pay to carry around all
those heavy batteries when a turbodiesel gets as good or sometimes better
fuel economy AND range?
Hybrids are very particular to how their driven too.... To the both of
them, I say "no thanks". Of course, I always really liked both the
Insight's and the new Prius' body styles. Especially the Insight.
Always reminded me of a love child between a Citroen and a Honda CRX.
I've love to build a hot-rod Insight. Slick aero CRX-like body, very
lightweight body panels. Remove the batteries, insert an Integra Type-R
motor in it (about 250 hp) and that'd be quite a little 2-seat rocket. :)
Along those lines, I'm surprised that the Smart doesn't get better fuel
economy.
At 02:04 2008-06-15, Harry Wyeth wrote:
I used to own a Honda Insight and now own a Prius. Yes, the reason the
former is no longer sold is that it only seated two people, you could
never carry a child due to the air bag, there was very little storage
space, and it lost oomph going uphill on freeways. It was also a pain to
get into.
I got usually 55 mpg (? L/100 km) on the Insight, and usually 50 mpg on
the Prius, which has lots of room, is loaded with safety doodads, and is
really a much better car. Its gasoline engine is 1.5 L vs the 3 banger
1.0 L on the Insight.
But the Insight was perfect on metric conversion, whereas the Prius is
sadly lacking. On the Insight, a push of a button converted EVERYTHING to
metric. Boom.
If you are thinking of buying a Prius--do it now.
HARRY WYETH
