Tam-Tam or Bongo?

habel · 11-20-2005, 10:48 AM

Hi.

I believe that I read somewhere here on Priuschat that the US Prius has rear Drum Brakes...

Is this really true??

Henrik

tochatihu · 11-20-2005, 10:50 AM

Sure is. Somehow, we manage.

habel · 11-20-2005, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tochatihu@Nov 20 2005, 05:50 PM
Sure is. Somehow, we manage.

[snapback]158553[/snapback]

Thanks for that info tochatihu!

As I was visiting my dealer the other day (in Norway, Europe) I asked my salesguy why Toyota had drum brakes at the rear of the Prius.

He said they don't - and showed me at a Prius in the shop. And sure enough - the discs where quite visible.

Seems strange that Totota puts discs in some markets and drums in others..??! I would also believe that it must be more expensive productionwise to make 2 different solutions too.

Henrik

jchu · 11-20-2005, 11:54 AM

I believe the reasons for the difference were postulated on in another thread a year or so ago. The thesis was that different markets have different ride and handling expectations. Our disc brakes seem perfectly fine for most US needs.

Another difference cited in those threads had to do with the suspension. Apparently the European suspension is stiffer and handles better than the North American version. (See all the threads complaining about ours and the desire for a "sport suspension" package.) It is also why one of the PC sponsors developed a stiffening plate.

habel · 11-20-2005, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jchu@Nov 20 2005, 06:54 PM
I believe the reasons for the difference were postulated on in another thread a year or so ago. The thesis was that different markets have different ride and handling expectations. Our disc brakes seem perfectly fine for most US needs.

Another difference cited in those threads had to do with the suspension. Apparently the European suspension is stiffer and handles better than the North American version. (See all the threads complaining about ours and the desire for a "sport suspension" package.) It is also why one of the PC sponsors developed a stiffening plate.

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Thanks jchu, yes that may be the reason. Still it MUST be more expensive to make 2 different kind of rear brake systems to the car than just one...

And I believe the 2006 has been "stiffened", so I guess the plate will no longer be needed.

Henrik

Jack 06 · 11-20-2005, 05:05 PM

On the Japanese website announcing THEIR '06s, there was mention both of stiffening the chassis and "tuning" the suspension. But I haven't been able to find a word about that on any US info. (Nor, for that matter, improved "sound- deadening" glass in the side windows.)

Do you know if those improvements apply to the Euro model?

habel · 11-20-2005, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack 06@Nov 21 2005, 12:05 AM
On the Japanese website announcing THEIR '06s, there was mention both of stiffening the chassis and "tuning" the suspension. But I haven't been able to find a word about that on any US info. (Nor, for that matter, improved "sound- deadening" glass in the side windows.)

Do you know if those improvements apply to the Euro model?

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Hi Jack!

This is what I know:

Suspention tuning - no word
Sound deadening glass - same
Stiffening of the chassis - rumors only..

In other words - info is sparse, to say the least!

habel · 12-28-2005, 04:52 AM

I think I have seen people complain about the front seats in the Prius - namely that they cannot be adjusted heightwise.

Is this true?

Wynder · 12-28-2005, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by habel@Nov 20 2005, 11:48 AM
Hi.

I believe that I read somewhere here on Priuschat that the US Prius has rear Drum Brakes...

Is this really true??

Henrik

[snapback]158552[/snapback]

While a tam-tam does fall in the percussion category, it's not actually a type of drum.

Ignore my nitpicking. ;p

Rob
Diamond State Concert Band, Principle Percussionist (2001-current)
Dover Sympony, Principle Percussionist (95-96)
Brandywine Pops Orchestra, Principle Timpanist (93-94)

habel · 12-31-2005, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wynder@Dec 28 2005, 02:07 PM
While a tam-tam does fall in the percussion category, it's not actually a type of drum.

Ignore my nitpicking. ;p

Rob
Diamond State Concert Band, Principle Percussionist (2001-current)
Dover Sympony, Principle Percussionist (95-96)
Brandywine Pops Orchestra, Principle Timpanist (93-94)

[snapback]179834[/snapback]

Who said anything about drums...??

Happy New Year!

11-20-2005, 10:48 AM	#1
habel Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 230 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hi. I believe that I read somewhere here on Priuschat that the US Prius has rear Drum Brakes... Is this really true?? Henrik

11-20-2005, 10:50 AM	#2
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 1,725 My Car: 2001 Prius Package: Pioneer #1 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 5	Sure is. Somehow, we manage.

11-20-2005, 11:54 AM	#4
jchu Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nampa, ID Posts: 1,063 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I believe the reasons for the difference were postulated on in another thread a year or so ago. The thesis was that different markets have different ride and handling expectations. Our disc brakes seem perfectly fine for most US needs. Another difference cited in those threads had to do with the suspension. Apparently the European suspension is stiffer and handles better than the North American version. (See all the threads complaining about ours and the desire for a "sport suspension" package.) It is also why one of the PC sponsors developed a stiffening plate.

11-20-2005, 05:05 PM	#6
Jack 06 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Winters, CA: Prius capital of US. 30 miles W of Sacramento Posts: 2,567 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	On the Japanese website announcing THEIR '06s, there was mention both of stiffening the chassis and "tuning" the suspension. But I haven't been able to find a word about that on any US info. (Nor, for that matter, improved "sound- deadening" glass in the side windows.) Do you know if those improvements apply to the Euro model?

12-28-2005, 04:52 AM	#8
habel Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 230 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I think I have seen people complain about the front seats in the Prius - namely that they cannot be adjusted heightwise. Is this true?