Hi. I believe that I read somewhere here on Priuschat that the US Prius has rear Drum Brakes... Is this really true?? Henrik
Thanks for that info tochatihu! As I was visiting my dealer the other day (in Norway, Europe) I asked my salesguy why Toyota had drum brakes at the rear of the Prius. He said they don't - and showed me at a Prius in the shop. And sure enough - the discs where quite visible. Seems strange that Totota puts discs in some markets and drums in others..??! I would also believe that it must be more expensive productionwise to make 2 different solutions too. Henrik
I believe the reasons for the difference were postulated on in another thread a year or so ago. The thesis was that different markets have different ride and handling expectations. Our disc brakes seem perfectly fine for most US needs. Another difference cited in those threads had to do with the suspension. Apparently the European suspension is stiffer and handles better than the North American version. (See all the threads complaining about ours and the desire for a "sport suspension" package.) It is also why one of the PC sponsors developed a stiffening plate.
Thanks jchu, yes that may be the reason. Still it MUST be more expensive to make 2 different kind of rear brake systems to the car than just one... And I believe the 2006 has been "stiffened", so I guess the plate will no longer be needed. Henrik
On the Japanese website announcing THEIR '06s, there was mention both of stiffening the chassis and "tuning" the suspension. But I haven't been able to find a word about that on any US info. (Nor, for that matter, improved "sound- deadening" glass in the side windows.) Do you know if those improvements apply to the Euro model?
Hi Jack! This is what I know: Suspention tuning - no word Sound deadening glass - same Stiffening of the chassis - rumors only.. In other words - info is sparse, to say the least!
I think I have seen people complain about the front seats in the Prius - namely that they cannot be adjusted heightwise. Is this true?
While a tam-tam does fall in the percussion category, it's not actually a type of drum. Ignore my nitpicking. ;p Rob Diamond State Concert Band, Principle Percussionist (2001-current) Dover Sympony, Principle Percussionist (95-96) Brandywine Pops Orchestra, Principle Timpanist (93-94)
So what do drum brakes "mean"? Like are we sacrificing anything because there aren't disc in back? I am just crurious.
Well, yes & no... A good comparison of the two tecnologies is to be found here: http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/techcente...57/article.html
