No manual tranny??

[hiremichaelreid]

Originally Posted by YoungOrganist

Is it true that the only stick shift hybrid is the Insight?

I've always wondered: Is a CVT more efficient than a manual transmissions? Of course it picks the gearing ratio whereas you can choose on a stickshift, but does it always pick the most efficient one?

IMO, in theory, a perfect CVT with proper programming should be better than a perfect shifted transmission, even with a perfect driver or computer.

Funny thing is, the manual Insights are listed as the top MPG cars on GreenHybrid. I'm think that's because some hypermiling tricks, like lugging the engine at low RPM, are easier to do with full manual control of shifting. With the Prius, your main control is limited to the right foot.

For most people, I suspect the CVT gives better mileage, but manual still gives best performance in the right hands.


I've also had manual in all previous cars but one, bought for busy city driving. I like the manual control and I like saving money.

But I'm thrilled to finally own a car with a CVT. I read about them decades ago and admired their ability to provide better acceleration as well as better efficiency. Win, win, and smooth with no shift points. I don't have a NEED to keep my right hand and clutch foot moving; I'm happy to have a CVT so I can concentrate more on MPG and driving safety.

[ZC1]

Originally Posted by hiremichaelreid

I suspect the CVT gives better mileage, but manual still gives best performance in the right hands.

I'd agree but add a disclaimer that no CVT (that I know of) has been designed for best performance.

No...wait...do Formula One cars have a CVT?
(or NASCAR, for that matter?)


ZC1

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by hiremichaelreid

...Funny thing is, the manual Insights are listed as the top MPG cars on GreenHybrid...

Hi Michael,

It probably helps that the Honda Insight weighs 1,847 lb while the Prius is more than 1,000 lb more, at 2,932 lb.

Honda Insight - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Toyota Prius - 2008 Performance & Specifications

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

Hi Michael,

It probably helps that the Honda Insight weighs 1,847 lb while the Prius is more than 1,000 lb more, at 2,932 lb.

Honda Insight - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Toyota Prius - 2008 Performance & Specifications

It also has only 2 seats so when consumption is divided by seating capacity I think the Prius wins. Of course if you have no kids or only 1 friend the Insight is the car for you.
It also makes a great 1 or 2 occupant commuter if you have a bigger car for the times you want to take 2 or more friends for a drive.

[richard schumacher]

Originally Posted by YoungOrganist

That looks more like a Transaxle...

NARFF!!

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by YoungOrganist

That looks more like a Transaxle...

Early models come with stick shift but later come without, or is that the other way around?

[hiremichaelreid]

Originally Posted by ZC1

I'd agree but add a disclaimer that no CVT (that I know of) has been designed for best performance.

No...wait...do Formula One cars have a CVT?
(or NASCAR, for that matter?)


ZC1

Not yet. I think there are power limits with current CVTs. Haven't heard of one yet handling over 200 HP, perhaps 150-160 is max now ?

Anyway, look at this: Hybrid Mileage Database - GreenHybrid

Insight CVT: 57 MPG
Insight manual: 64 MPG

I believe manual was only on the earlier Insights.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by hiremichaelreid

Not yet. I think there are power limits with current CVTs. Haven't heard of one yet handling over 200 HP, perhaps 150-160 is max now ?...

Hi Michael,

This illustrates another great aspect of the Hybrid Synergy Drive design, which is that it is scalable up & down to produce a wide variety of power for different applications. I do not think that this is sufficiently appreciated by Prius owners.

The Prius system produces 110 hp.
The Camry Hybrid system produces ~190 hp.
The Highlander Hybrid system produces 270 hp.
The Lexus GS hybrid produces 340 hp.
The Lexus LS hybrid produces 438 hp.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

Hi Michael,

This illustrates another great aspect of the Hybrid Synergy Drive design, which is that it is scalable up & down to produce a wide variety of power for different applications. I do not think that this is sufficiently appreciated by Prius owners.

The Prius system produces 110 hp.
The Camry Hybrid system produces ~190 hp.
The Highlander Hybrid system produces 270 hp.
The Lexus GS hybrid produces 340 hp.
The Lexus LS hybrid produces 438 hp.

No belts or cones, just electrons. It's an elegant system.

Tom

[PriusSport]

I've driven manual for 35 years, and the Prius CVT made me forget about manual fast. Shifting around town and on hills was becoming a pain in the neck to me, anyways.Not so much fun anymore. You drive manual partly because of gas savings. But that isn't necessary with a Prius.

The big advantage is driving around town--the city mileage penalty ICE cars have isn't there with a Prius. partly because the engine shuts off at traffic lights, etc. And the ICE component seems to heat up pretty quickly. Besides, you are using more electrical at low speeds, anyways. Perfect for around town.