does 2010 prius have more power than 2009 prius?

The "gears" you are referring to are actually modes of power delivery (software driven) that the GEN III Prius has. The new Prius has a larger 1.8 ltr engine and YES the GEN III is more powerful than the previous GEN II Prius. As for revving, I don't suggest you continue that method of coaxing more power from the Prius. That is NOT the correct way to drive this type of vehicle. Since you are new to this board I suggest you peruse the thousands of postings and you'll glean a great deal of information from the posts. Most members here are Prius Passionate and you can gain a great deal of knowledge from this site. I suggest you start today as I will be giving a quiz in two weeks.
:welcome:

 

The 2010 gas engine has 22 more horsepower than the 2009. Total horsepower increases by 24. Others will have to provide the driving experience comparison, as I have owned only one, and for less than a day.

Prius has only one gear. Speed changes by varying the speeds of the one gas and two electric motors. Reverse is achieved by spinning the electric motors backwards.

By "3 gears", perhaps someone is confusing some of the mode buttons on the 2010 -- PWR, ECO, and EV, in addition to Normal (no button) mode.

 

The 2010 has a 1.8 liter gas engine and a combined HP of about 134, the 2009 has a 1.5 liter gas engine and a combined HP of about 110 HP. The 2010 does 0 to 60 in 9.8 seconds while the 2009 does it in 10.4 seconds

 

I'm not sure that came out right. I'm not an expert but the Prius has a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which means that the transmission has an essentially infinite number of gearings. As I understand it, the computer attempts to keep the engine operating at the optimal RPM and varies the gearing in the CVT accordingly. That would explain why it would be difficult to rev the engine.

A good illustration can be seen here: HowStuffWorks "Cars with CVTs"

 

in a way, it is correct to say the Prius has only on gear. The CVT in the Prius is not a conventional CVT. Instead of changing the gear ratio, it changes the amount of power that goes from the gas motor to the wheels and how much goes to the electrical system. Torque from the gas engine to the wheels never changes. When the Prius needs more torque, it calls on the electric motor to provide it.

 

I've driven many 2008 Prius rentals and today I test drove a 2010 Prius II.

With the A/C running and four people in the car, the Prius II seemed to perform similarly in comparison to the previous generation. The engine noise and performance seemed to be comparable to the previous generation-- there was not a noticeable improvement over the previous version, at least in everyday driving.

 

I'd describe the CVT has being fixed ratio. The transmission output speed is the sum of the two input speeds -- gas motor on one input, electric on the other input -- though each input does have a different mechanical multiplier factor (i.e. gear ratio). The second electric motor is tied directly to the transmission output.

The computer can slow down the gas engine by speeding up the first electric motor, or vice versa, without changing the output speed. Note that either electric motor can also work as a generator.

 

Oh my.
The Prius has an electric continuously variable transmission. Some of the replies above are on the right track but none are strictly right.

I'm not going to reinvent the wheel, have a look here and see how it works for yourself. There is a lot of great stuff on line about the Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

Have a look at John's fantastic site too! Click here.

 

No matter what it feels like there is more power as stated above. 110 hp vs 134hp. Thats a good jump and I have driven both and it is noticeable to me.It also has less Air drag than a GenII. Maybe you gained so weight since you rented the Gen II

 

Really? That's sounds very strange to me. We have a 2006 and now a 2010 and we switch cars on a day to day basis. I find the 2010 to be remarkably perkier, quicker and more powerful, as well as being smoother and more quiet. With power mode engaged, it's a COMPLETELY different animal and it feels like a lot more than a %20 increase in HP - did you try that button at all?

 

I found this simulation very revealing: (if you click where it says 'THS' (2001 to 2003) it changes to 'THSII' (2004 to 2009), I await a 2010 simulation)

MG2 (Green Ring) is directly tied to the wheels, it's RPM is 1 to 1 related to the car's speed. (MG2 sees no 'transmission' at all)

The gas engine (red ring) has a fixed ratio between MG1 and MG2, that is almost unrelated to the car's speed. (you will note that above certain speeds the engine must turn, and that below certain speeds you can't rev the engine very high) The design refuses to 'lug' your engine, it will not operate between 0 RPMs and 1000 RPMs.

MG1 (Blue gear) can rotate in either direction to alter the gas engine's RPM to road speed ratio. (this is the continuously variable part) Also note that MG1 can rev the gas engine up to 2700 RPM at 0 MPH, this is your starter.

A simulation of Prius's Planetary Gear

 

Just wondering, how does power and handling compare to a Corolla? Thanks.

 

Hi All,

The Prius transmission has one mechanical gear ratio, and no clutches. The engine, two electric motors and all gear elements (including the axle differential) are always connected to each other.

The transmission can be described as an electric torque converter. At low speeds, the overspeed of the engine is shunted to the smaller of the two motors/generators - MG1 - sometimes called the "speeder" in technical descripitions. MG1 acts as a generator in this mode, and the electricty it produces is converted back to DC, which is then fed to the other bigger motor, MG2, sometimes called the "Torquer" in technical descriptions. Thus, the engine can run at higher rpm for the lower vehicle speed, and the vehicle has high torque at low speed provided by MG2 motor. This is in effect a high transmission ratio, that is, the transmission has an effective transmission ratio that varies widely, without mechanically shifting gears at all. Indeed the engine can run at idle with the car stopped, and no torque being applied to the wheels, yet all the gears are still connected up all the way to the drive shafts.

As to the power question, yes the Gen III Prius does have higher power. But the car is heavier (due to the bigger engine requiring a wider car and other accessories like sun-roof). So the accelleration is only maginally better. But remember, the Prius has stealth-power, or borrowing a phrase from the Rocky Mountain Institute - negaseconds. It does not need time to shift gears. So that saves a second or so to 60, and it can run the engine at higher powers at lower speeds, and that makes the accelleration quicker. While not stellar off-the-line, it can quickly shoot from 20 to 40 mph.

 

I think that the Prius has decent acceleration but it doesn't rev like a normal car, (the computer sets the RPM). So if you are listening for the RPMs to tell you how fast you are going it just won't work. I can't tell you how many times I have matted it to get into traffic and though man I need more acceleration and then looked down and realized I was going 80. In all my other cars, my ears tell me how fast I am going but you can't do that in a Prius.
G

 

Depends which Corolla you are referring to. I currently have a 2009 Corolla "S", drive an FJ, and will be trading in the FJ next month for the 2010 Prius. In comparing the Corolla to the 2010, I would say that the Corolla has slightly quicker acceleration and seems to handle a little better probably somewhat due to the larger wheels/tires.

The Corolla can sometimes get blown around on the freeway when you hit crosswinds, but overall is a great vehicle (best selling Toyota in the state). It is much improved in comparison to the previous 2008 Corolla. 2010 Prius is also improved in just about every way in comparison to the 2009 model.

 

The 2010 Prius has a lot more power than the Gen II. It's also very smooth so if you want Detroit muscle this isn't the car.
It has a very smooth linear feel to accelerating. My wifes Honda Fit feels like a sports car jerking off the line. The Prius is very refined and I actually enjoy driving it. But other cars offer different experiences. If you want power put it in power mode and you'll have all the power you need.
The Prius feels slow because it's not loud. But it's easy to go too fast in it especially on slower roads.

 

Thanks for these links. Normally the term CVT is used for a steelbeld drive, and the Prius doen't have one. It looks more like a kind of Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) concept.

 

EV Mode allows you to drive in electric only mode up to 25mph.
Since regular mode allows speeds in full electric mode up to 46 mph I'm not sure of the advantage.
ECO mode cuts back on your power making the car smooth out so at lights it's not a jerky start and it saves you fuel.
Power Mode gives you immediate response so you can win drag races against the Honda Insight!
Power mode works great on hills. ECO mode is a bit too little for some hills in my area.
ECO mode works great in traffic and flatter areas. I use it that way and going down hills as well.