Toyota Prius
Posted by: Sloop John B on 22 May 2008
Looking to replace an aging (1992) Volvo 940 which is mainly used in Dublin city and suburbs.
I am considering a 4 or 5 year old Prius.
Does anyone drive one?
Anything I should know that doesn't appear in the glossy marketing paraphernalia?
Thanks,
John
SJB
I am considering a 4 or 5 year old Prius.
Does anyone drive one?
Anything I should know that doesn't appear in the glossy marketing paraphernalia?
Thanks,
John
SJB
Posted on: 30 May 2008 by djftw
quote:Try getting a 2.0 l to produce 600+ ft/lbs of torque though.
True, though not exactly neccesary unless you have a truck! Not to mention the extra weight of the engine, gearbox, clutch etc. needed to handle all that torque!
Posted on: 30 May 2008 by MerryDance
I've got one and would recommend it Roomy,reliable and economical for such a big car. Also low depreciation and > 500 miles before you need to fill up.Best thing is engine stops in a traffic jam or when travelling at slow speeds -but can be quite nippy too.
Posted on: 30 May 2008 by Ewan Aye
I've just looked at a Fiat Panda diesel. 50 mpg urban, 75 mpg extra urban, 60 mpg overall. 113 co2, so £35/year road tax. Four seats.
I could live with that. I really do see these clever diesels being a more sensible option than any hybrid, and I see those figures being pretty poor compared to what we will see in the coming years. It'll probably be a manufacturers race to 100 mpg, and then 150.
I could live with that. I really do see these clever diesels being a more sensible option than any hybrid, and I see those figures being pretty poor compared to what we will see in the coming years. It'll probably be a manufacturers race to 100 mpg, and then 150.
Posted on: 30 May 2008 by DAVOhorn
Dear Merrydance,
The stop start engine is not new.
I think VW had this on an economy model back in late 70's early 80's.
There ia a new variation on the theme coming thanks to the wonders of computers and fuel injection.
It does need the starter motor which is the failing of currnet systems (starter motor).
When cylinder is on compression stroke a reduced fuel load is injected in to that cylinder this reduced fuel causes the engine to rotate backwards causing the cylinder on the ignition stroke to compress then fuel is injected and fired and the engine rotates in the correct direction as if nothing had happened. Simple but it has taken enormous efforts by the computers and injectors to achieve.
The yanks since the 80's have used cylinder shut down turning a V8 into an in line 4 as one bank is switched off. The latest generation of General Motors LS3 V8's have this feature.
So there are alternatives to dragging around electric motors and batteries which contribute little but MASS to the car.
regards David
The stop start engine is not new.
I think VW had this on an economy model back in late 70's early 80's.
There ia a new variation on the theme coming thanks to the wonders of computers and fuel injection.
It does need the starter motor which is the failing of currnet systems (starter motor).
When cylinder is on compression stroke a reduced fuel load is injected in to that cylinder this reduced fuel causes the engine to rotate backwards causing the cylinder on the ignition stroke to compress then fuel is injected and fired and the engine rotates in the correct direction as if nothing had happened. Simple but it has taken enormous efforts by the computers and injectors to achieve.
The yanks since the 80's have used cylinder shut down turning a V8 into an in line 4 as one bank is switched off. The latest generation of General Motors LS3 V8's have this feature.
So there are alternatives to dragging around electric motors and batteries which contribute little but MASS to the car.
regards David
Posted on: 01 June 2008 by jon h
quote:When cylinder is on compression stroke a reduced fuel load is injected in to that cylinder this reduced fuel causes the engine to rotate backwards causing the cylinder on the ignition stroke to compress then fuel is injected and fired and the engine rotates in the correct direction as if nothing had happened. Simple but it has taken enormous efforts by the computers and injectors to achieve.
Thats very clever - i like that sort of engineering