1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Comparing a 09 to an 08 Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Stormtrooper1, Feb 1, 2011.

  1. Stormtrooper1

    Stormtrooper1 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2010
    80
    6
    0
    Location:
    MN
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi-
    As I'm waiting to hear if my 09 Package 4 prius is a total loss, I've spoken with the dealer that sold it to me just 8 short weeks ago. They have a Nice sounding 08 Touring Package 5 That I would be interested in.

    I was curious what Differences there were between the 08 and the 09?
    Is the Traction control different? I thought I read somewhere that 09's had the best TC?

    Thanks!
     
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,982
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    No difference. The only difference you will find is colour and option packaging.
     
  3. Stormtrooper1

    Stormtrooper1 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2010
    80
    6
    0
    Location:
    MN
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thanks David- That's what I was hoping to hear!
     
  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Not so fast. The Touring includes NAV, 16" wheels, larger spoiler, and a different suspension. AFAIK the TC is unchanged.
     
  5. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2005
    12,544
    2,123
    1
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html lists the packages.

    The touring will get slightly worse fuel economy but I discovered (and posted about at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ybrid-camry-vs-prius-gen-2-a.html#post1252239) that the touring, at least w/stock tires, has better braking than the non-touring.

    CR's fuel economy test results at ConsumerReports.org - Most fuel-efficient cars.
     
  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,982
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    He asked if the TC was different. It isn't.
    As far as better braking with the touring, it has 16" wheels. The stock size tires on those wheels are slightly larger than the ones on the 15" wheels, so yes, you should get -slightly- "better" braking due to the slightly larger contact patch. BUT, on rough roads the slightly heavier wheel/tire combination on the touring will bounce a bit more, so the "better braking" will probably be negated.
    The slightly lower fuel economy is mostly due to extra air resistance of those slightly wider tyres and slightly higher friction to the road surface (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch). ;)
    Finally, the 2008 touring is the same as the 2009 touring, other than as I posted above, colours and options.