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Differences between conventional drivetrain cars and the Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by pakitt, Aug 15, 2011.

  1. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    I don't know if this topic has been discussed in one single thread already, but I have posted an article on my blog in the link below about the differences I have experienced when moving from my "conventional" car to the Prius. Some things came to mind only after several months using the Prius, some others were instead evident from day 1.

    What are your experiences? did I miss anything?

    (I will probably then add my points and all additional feedback in the Prius Wiki on Wikia - link below - a thread here is a possible case in which an article on Wikia to point newbies and prospective buyers could look up for information about the topic)

    Prius vs conventional drivetrain cars: main differences and subtle ones too
     
    #1 pakitt, Aug 15, 2011
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Note that the braking system is also a by-wire system in addition to having regen. That'll feel different on its own without regen (e.g. on the E-Class)

    Reverse is done in all electric with the engine coming on as a generator. There's no reverse gear

    Smaller steering wheel (b/c there are no gauges in front of the driver)

    Short bonnet (unless you came from a subcompact car)
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Aug 16, 2011
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  3. Dark_matter_doesn't

    Dark_matter_doesn't Prius Tinkerer

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    The Prius drivetrain does an amazing job creating the illusion that you're driving a conventional vehicle, albeit with a CVT. For example, I can do "kick-downs" for a passing situation just like a conventional auto transmission.

    One does have to get used to the "R2D2" noises the vehicle can make while parked and "off" and when one opens the car door.
     
    #3 Dark_matter_doesn't, Aug 16, 2011
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  4. kgall

    kgall Active Member

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    I'm going to try to sum up a few of the things in the blog post plus here in a different way. If I'm wrong about what I say here, let me know:

    Basically, the engine doesn't 'idle', except when warming up, or when you are sitting there and you are using a lot of electricity (a/c, etc.) and the battery is low.
     
    #4 kgall, Aug 17, 2011
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  5. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    - No Belt
    - No Alternator
    - Smaller gas tank saves 40 lbs
    - Smaller lead acid battery saves about 20 lbs
    - Both weight savings help cancel out the 99 lbs HV battery weight gain
     
    #5 usbseawolf2000, Aug 17, 2011
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  6. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    I have updated the blog post according to your inputs - thanks a lot!
    usbseawolf2000, if you can give me a bit more references as to the weight numbers and comparisons to a conventional car, that would be great.
     
    #6 pakitt, Aug 21, 2011
  7. Corwyn

    Corwyn Energy Curmudgeon

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    While it might not strictly speaking have an alternator, it does have TWO much larger electric motor/generators.
     
    #7 Corwyn, Aug 21, 2011
  8. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I compare Prius 11.9 to Camry 18.5 gallons gas tank.

    According to fueleconomy.gov, one gallon of gas weights 6.3 lbs. 6.6 gallons would weight 41.6 lbs. With different Octane and ethanol mixed in, I rounded to 40 lbs.

    Prius 12v battery is 29.5 lbs. I couldn't find info on the Camry but from my previous research it weights 20lbs more.
     
    #8 usbseawolf2000, Aug 21, 2011
  9. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Right, that's a given when people think about hybrids. They automatically think extra electric motor(s) and extra battery adding weight and complexity.

    They don't know what legacy components a full hybrid lacks or weights less.

    That was the basis of my post.
     
    #9 usbseawolf2000, Aug 21, 2011
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