MotorTrend gets schooled by a Prius then takes revenge

Darwin almost cured them

 

I find it really impressive that the front door still opened and closed fine after the tank drove over the center of the Prius. That's some rigid construction.

 

Not really rigid. More like sectional construction. When the roof caved in the side panel was spared because of the construction design of the car. That panel has a seam that runs the length of the car.
The roof is attached to both side panels, unlike older cars that are a one piece roof design.
Therefore, the panel just separated from the roof on that seam line as it collapsed. Leaving the entire side panel and doors intact

 

British Top Gear is quite funny.
American Top Gear is just a huge advertising block for GM.

 

I thought it was pretty funny. I laughed with them. Their failed attempts at trying to get that old clunker to best the Prius was juvenile and hilarious. The Gremlin lost in everything including lap time, acceleration, fuel economy, brakes, and probably longevity as I seriously doubt the Gremlin will survive as many miles as that Prius. It gave it's life to a worthy cause. Namely, to my entertainment.

Here is the video of how Top Gear raced an M3 versus a Prius. The M3 got better fuel economy. Good time laughs for all. Love it!
M3 vs Prius - BBC Top Gear Australia

 

Doesn't that mean in the event of a roll over, the roof will just cave in upon hitting an object that doesn't also connect with the side structure?

Of course, the weight of the tank might exceed any expected crash forces.

 

I find it strange how people talk about these old cars like the Geo Metro, Honda CRX, and Ford Fiesta (gen 1) that 'easily' get Prius mileage. I wouldn't drive them because:

1. They are unsafe.
2. They have no interior room.
3. They often fail smog tests.
4. They have no character in their design.

#PriusLogic

 

4 is debatable. I like the CRX design, and many consider the first Insight the descendant of the HF trim.
When people bring them up as getting Prius fuel economy, it is because they haven't seen their post-2008 adjusted ratings.

 

Geo Metro Convertible makes a great all-electric conversion.