For owners, how is the power of the V vs

Well, in power mode, it has more "get-up-and-go" than my 2001 and 2004 Prii. I've never had any problems with any of them in tight situations though as it jumps when you stomp the accelerator at any speed (thanks to instant torque from the electric motors).

--Russ

 

I can feel the difference in power compared to my 2007 Prius, since the engine is slightly bigger. I like the power modes "feeling." The power mode "remaps" the throttle so just a little pedal movement produces a more noticeable acceleration. However, keep in mind you will get the same acceleration in all modes...you just have to move the pedal further down. Hope this makes sense.

 

My Vee is probably faster than my 08 Prius with the 1.5L engine since the Vee has a 1.8L and a higher numerical final drive ratio (although not sure how relevant that is). However I would think the 2010 and newer Prius could have slightly better acceleration as they have the same 1.8L in a smaller car. All things considered, the Vee can stay with traffic and merge onto freeways without obvious problems.

 

In your test drive of 3rd gen regular (liftback) Prius, it's possible the car was in ECo mode, or was it? Prius will power up in Eco mode if shut down in Eco mode.

Make no mistake, Prius is not a powerful car. Power and efficiency are kind of on opposite ends of the see-saw, unless you have one BIG expensive traction battery or fuel thirsty gas engine. (That said, the Camry Hybrid is pulling some magic with 200 HP and 40 MPG).

My Prius will accelerate in a reasonable manner if I keep the HSI bar buried at the upper end of the Eco area. I could always give it more to bring the bar into the Pwr area.

Key word is 'adequate' acceleration. It's not quick, nor is it a 'gutless wonder' which is what I think they used to say about the true econo box cars like a Geo Metro.

Prius v acceleration is pretty darn close to 3rd gen. Use PWR mode button and the pedal will be more responsive.

hope this helps.

 

I don't generally stomp on the gas with either of our Prii, and have so far been extra careful with the "v" since it only has a few hundred miles on it. The "v" seems plenty responsive to me, but I won't be racing Hemi 'Cudas with either of them.

 

Cindyh1 – You need to keep you eye on the donut not the hole. The “P†in Prius is for "Prius," not Porsche. If Off-The-Line Performance is near or at the top of you car buying criteria list, forget buying a Prius because you will not be happy with it. All the hybrid cars in Prius Family today, and in the expected near future, are “snails†Off-The-Line, when compared to performance cars like my old Porsche.

There is no “Free Energy Lunch.†You need to guzzle gas (i.e. ENERGY) if you want “Throw You Back In The Seat†acceleration performance.

We are living in a new energy use paradigm. Gas is selling for $3+ per gallon on its way to $4 and beyond, not 25¢ as it was when the fuel wasting on-road driving behavior norms of today were formed. Whether you realize it or not, we all are now driving under this new fuel consumption and energy use paradigm.

Where a car once used to be a mechanized, gasoline-powered personal and family transportation work of art that functioned as one's personal noble steed, it has since become a heavily government controlled and regulated transportation appliance whose fuel use generates tax revenue for the government.

I recognized this paradigm shift back a few years back, when gasoline was still selling for well under $1.499 per gallon. At that point, I purchased the hybrid Prius, and changed the driving and fuel consumption behaviors and techniques under which I operate my personal vehicle, thereby, successfully transforming myself into a Hybrid Pseudo-Hypermiling/EcoDriving Zen Master & Prius Borg.

You are either a budding Prius Borg Queen or you are not --- decide which.

 

I haven't driven the v enough to comment but in the short drive I had, it was adequate. Agree that 2nd and 3rd Prius acceleration is just adequate.

The '12 HyCam is pulling amazing mileage given its high net horsepower. From results I posted at http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...mry-hybrid-best-family-sedan.html#post1442719, it's about as quick as the now defunct NAH while returning much better mileage.

If the OP wants some zoom zoom, she should try out the '12 HyCam but be willing to give up cargo space versatility and some FE, esp. vs. the regular Prius (aka liftback). My mom's 07 NAH feels almost like a rocket ship vs. my 2nd gen Prius.

There are situations on the highway where I don't even attempt some maneuvers in my Prius due to lack of power whereas my former 287 hp 350Z would've had no problem. I had a recent incident where I had to floor my Prius due to some jerk on the road who sped up as I was trying to move over at a junction to take another highway. I barely got over there. If I had my Z or my former 255 hp Maxima, I'd have easily outrun him and gotten by.

 

Since my Prius is among the most powerful cars I ever owned, I find all this amusing.

The only car my 5 speed 1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac wagon ever passed going uphill, was an Automatic Toyota Corolla All-Trac wagon. (still on the road, still in the family)


And it was powerful compared to the GLC (323 outside the US) before that, it would not go over 35 MPH uphill. (0-60 in 15 seconds, my Prius is 11. The Prius v does 0-60 in 10. The original Beetle did 0-60 in 37 seconds)

 

My "V" replaced a 2006 Prius (which did not have the ECO mode, etc.) When I put the "V" in "Power" mode (which I have only done once or twice to test it out), I felt like I was driving a Porsche! It all depends on where you are coming from ....

 

You gotta be kidding, right?

 

I doubt it. I didn't even think it could do 60mph.

 

I normally drive in ECO mode and it is quite a bit different than my 2005. I use PWR mode in the morning for a few minutes until I get warm air out the vents. After that I use PWR mode to hop into fast moving traffic. There is a world of difference in performance, but also in MPG. In PWR it drops from 20-25 to 8 - 11 mpg. As I ease up on the throttle, mpg bumps up, but not a lot.

Overall, I like having the option for power when I want it.

 

1952 VW Beetle Deluxe sedan cost $1740, its flat 4 made 25 HP, and it weighed 1560 lbs.
0-60 in 37.2 seconds, quarter mile in 24.8 seconds, 34 MPG

Nov 2011 Road & Track, page 123

2010 Toyota Prius II cost $23,548, makes 134 HP, and weighs 3042 lbs.

0-60 in 9.8 seconds, 1/4 in 17.6, and 50 MPG
http://www.roadandtrack.com/content/download/62711/1652316/version/3/file/hybridrealityspecs.pdf (1/4 mile is actually Car and Driver http://archive.caranddriver.com/var...lication/c4df488aab8502ae1efd564bc913ca03.pdf)

 

The final drive ratio on the v is different to compensate for its size and weight.

I got about 10 minutes to test one and it pretty much felt like a 3rd gen as we were accelerating up a ramp onto the freeway.

 

I have a 2011 Prius, and a 2012 V. I see no difference in acceleration. The V just gives you a better ride. I'm sure if both cars were loaded up to max weight capacity you would feel more sluggishness in the V.

 

If you want better mileage, get the regular Prius aka liftback. Do try the v and liftback in Power mode. It'll give you the illusion that car has more power by changing the accelerator pedal mapping.

For me, I'm just a single, not very large guy and almost never carry a large load so the v isn't for me. If my 2nd gen Prius were totaled, it'd be replaced w/a 3rd gen regular Prius.