Does Prius Fit Among Americans Thirst For V6, V8 Acceleration?

The Prius can overtake any car on the highway, etc, as long as the other guy isn't actually racing you. I've done it a dozen times. It just doesn't sound very pretty.

 

I agree. PWR mode can give you that short quick boost for passing, merging, etc.

I use it when I need to; that's what its for.

 

I don't mind flooring my Prius, if necessary, but there have been a few times where extra power would've been nice. Example: there was a merge in the middle of an on-ramp, and I floored it to get ahead but it seems like the other guy was "racing" me. I had to back off to avoid a collision since my Prius' acceleration was insufficient. If I were driving my Z, I'd have dusted him.

There are times where I know there are certain things I can do w/my former Z w/no problem that I don't even bother w/in my Prius, due to insufficient acceleration.

The biggest difference to me (from previously owning an 255 hp 02 Maxima and 287 hp 04 350Z) is definitely accelerating at highway speeds. Good 6 and 8-cylinder engines in non-sports cars have MUCH better NVH characteristics than a 4 banger. My Maxima's acceleration on the highway felt virtually effortless (due to NVH) besides the acceleration itself. As some reviews stated at the the time, the 3.5L V6 accelerates w/a sense of urgency.

I kinda do wish we'd see some hybrids w/smaller, more efficient V6 or inline 6 engines so that we can get decent FE while also being good from a NVH POV. Seriously, all 4 bangers I've encountered suck in the NVH dept. vs. a good 6 or 8 cylinder.