cars have the same horsepower, motor size, battery size, and maybe a 75lb weight difference. What's the difference? Then main point: how is the ride? If i use ct200h dampers and springs on my car would it fit and would there be a ride improvement? Thanks!
The CT200h does ride better. It is riding on independent suspension (I think the rear is a double wishbone. The usual MacPherson struts in the front). Will the Prius ride better? I have doubts. The Prius is heavier (those springs/dampers may not be tuned for the heavier weight) plus you would still have a semi-independent torsion beam (trailing arm) suspension in the Prius. That said, it is possible to make a car with torsion beams ride better (see: VW Golf)
I own both and it is chalk and cheese with regard to refinement, ride and handling. The Lexus leaves the Prius for dead in all these areas, but the Prius is more economical - about 0.5l/100km. Gearing is identical and performance is quite similar. Although they are based on similar platforms, the rear suspension is totally different and it makes a big difference to the car's manners. Simon
"Will the Prius ride better? I have doubts. The Prius is heavier (those springs/dampers may not be tuned for the heavier weight) plus you would still have a semi-independent torsion beam (trailing arm) suspension in the Prius." Oh okay, I was under the impression they were both torsion beam. Actually the prius was the lighter car. The heavier nicer materials, sound deadening, wheels and apparently IRS etc... make the ct200h the heavier car.
How does the ct200h compare with the newer 2016 prius? They both have the new rear suspension. Doesn't that make the 16 prius a better buy?
. Sorry I should've checked the weights before I replied. Yes you're right. The CTh is 40kg heavier (comparing base Prius to base CTh). Here's the brochure for the suspension bit.
Extremely attractive car for the price. I was very suprised when I saw a 2011 Pear white car with 50k miles nearby for only 9500. I paid 7600 for a 2010 Prius II with 94k miles. Says the ct200h averages 40/43? Seems low but my Prius averages 40-42. 70mph on the interstate only nets me 44.
I considered the Ct200h before buying my Gen3. I came out of a GS430. I decided against it because of the lower mpg since I was looking for something very fuel efficient. When I got my next car I went with a 2013 PIP. The Lexus is nicer without a doubt.
We have all three. 2011 Five, 2016 4T and a 2015 CT. I bought the CT after the two Gen 3's -- with the Prius working out so well for family and business needs I tossed the CT into the mix vs another Prius. I started to use the hybrids more and more (trips to the city) and preferred the seats in the CT when I test drove. The CT's hatch area can not hold as much as the Prius -- still very useful vs a small cars trunk. The CT's interior is much nicer and much more comfortable vs the Gen 3. Mine is a low option vehicle and was able to purchase for the same price as another 5 at the time. No nav .. so the hybrid display is nothing like found in our Prius. The Gen 4 2016 4T is a very nice car and has many more option vs the CT .. I still will take the CT if both available. The CT gets around 45-46mpg vs almost 10 mpg more with the other cars. My CT does not have leather -- same stuff as the new Prius. It a good looking small car -- mine is black w/black tan interior. The standard headlights are very good .. I wish mine has intermittent wipers
