99 horse power is actually quite plentiful when compared to my other car, a Citroen 2CV. I drive the high powered version 2CV, it has a whopping 29 HP. When driven properly, even it is able to keep up with modern traffic. It's 0 to 60 mph time was listed by Citroen as "same day". Back to the C, it's more than capable of meeting any of today's driving needs including freeways and their exit and on ramps. Rarely do car owners use the full capability of their car's acceleration potential and I suspect that it was really not needed when and if they do. For the most part car manufacturers use 0-60 times for marketing and the so called car experts (testers) have bought into it. I'm not against high powered cars, but, I'll spend my money on one that has acceptable power and acceleration like the C and is economical and highly dependable. I'll use the left over money on things more important to me.
I don't understand why anyone on 99% of roads needs more than the PriusC can deliver. Injecting oneself into 75 mph traffic at a merge point doesn't feel particularly uncomfortable in the C. On my way back from NH, I had a few situations where sudden acceleration was my best option, not the least of which was when a semi's lane change signals kicked in *as* I was passing him in his blind spot. Staying on his left not being the best option, and slowing down now that I was three quarters past his length -- I elected to floor it -- and the C handily delivered me out of the shadow of the valley of death without complaint. I can't imagine one needs more acceleration for any better reason than merging and getting out of a blind spot. Except for adrenaline rushes and machismo. Which is OK, I reckon -- but I just don't equate fuel economy with adrenaline.
For that list to have meaning, you'd have to actually drop the pedal all the way to the floor. How often is maximum power ever really needed?
Having owned and driven many cars with less power than my Prius, I can say much below 70 HP is more work to keep up with traffic. 69 HP with only a 4 speed is not as seemless as the point and go of the Prius. http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg26/taylourmaid/rsd024.jpg (not my GLC, but it looks like it did, once)
I just drove home with my 2013 Prius C Two on the highway and it was plenty fast. It got up to 130km/hr with no problem and it was a smooth ride. I'm satisfied and it's way better than my previous car. It's no slouch and I think people exaggerate.
In my case, the engine just wails a bit more than I would prefer when rapid acceleration is needed, and this actually results in me holding back. Headroom is all I want, whether it's needed or not.
check this one too 7+ Second Cars 0-60 Times | Find Cars with 0 to 60 Times in Over 7 Seconds They do not keep track of 8.x cars but basically for US roads anything over 10sec is slow, and anything in low 7sec and under gets prized by autorags.
I have been driving mine a Prius C2 for a month now. I have always had small cars and I never let road noise bother me. Before this car I had a 2010 Mini Cooper that drove exactly the same way. With all the other wonderful things about this car I would not let a little road noise bother you. It's a great riding car.
Bought my Prius C two today (went with the blue streak metallic, though habanero caught my eye) and I love it! Fun car, it will take some time getting used to but I am enjoying the experience. I've put 60 miles on it, driving over the Newport bridge (RI) and Jamestown bridge plus the highway (all the while having no clue how fast I was going bc it was in Kh) and it performed well. Now some have called me crazy because I traded in my 07 BMW 228xi AWD for a Prius and I've questioned it myself but honestly I'm really happy with my choice. I may miss my sports mode and 0 to the back of my head hitting the head rest BUT 50+ mpg sounds much more fun than 17+ mpgs. I will tell you what I won't miss is quotes on work for $2,000 with no guarantee nothing else won't go after. I have a feeling that this is going to be my favorite car. I'm excited for the road and happy I've found this forum. Happy Preeing!
