Prius is lower on the driver's side

How much do you weigh?

:lol:

(Just kidding)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(newpath @ Mar 12 2007, 07:37 PM) [snapback]404566[/snapback]</div>

That has come up before. Apparently Toyota concluded that this was a good idea since most roads are crowned on what would be the left side of the car and a level car is better than one which is tipped. Frankly it has never been an issue for me.

What are the implications of the fact that many cars have just the driver as an occupant? That, alone, would cause the car to be tipped a little, wouldn't it?

Edit: IsrAmeriPrius types faster!

 

Probably within specs. If it bothers you, consider that the crown of the road is typically 2 to 4 percent, so you aren't really level anyway. In fact, having the driver's side lower on the springs would offset the crown a bit.

 

It's built in Stagger for your oval racing needs

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Allannde @ Mar 12 2007, 11:48 PM) [snapback]404624[/snapback]</div>

I'm just curious about this explanation -- does this mean that on a multi-lane highway, anyone driving in the left lane would actually be MORE tipped?

 

Personally, I don't think this is "by design". Note that the hybrid system under the hood is asymmetrical (left-right) compared with traditional ICE. The weight balancing (left-right) was probably overlooked by Toyota to fit into the narrow engine bay. 1/4-1/2 inch lower on one side does not bother me at all. No other vehicle I owned had this difference, though. Don't tell me this actually helps handling. That would be interesting... :blink:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ceric @ Mar 13 2007, 09:22 AM) [snapback]404899[/snapback]</div>

Its the future NASCAR design ... built to go fast, and turn left.

 

Hi All,

Most likely the reason the Prius is low to the left, is that the 60 HP motor is right next to the wheel well on the left side.

In right hand applications, the balance is probably pretty good, due to driver weight.

Maybe future front wheel drive hybrids will figure out a way to put MG2 next to the engine, and MG1 outboard. That would be advantagous for Plug-in Hybrid cars, as MG2 could be made more powerful.

The GS-450H already has the MG2 near the centerline of the car, as its rear wheel hybrid drive. They are very quick too. I have seen a few blow by me already.

 

My old VW beetles and the Rabbit had front seats that could be swapped; this helped even out the wear although it put the adjustment controls in the center instead of at the doors. I never thought about one side of the car being higher/lower than the other. A quarter of an inch is a pretty tiny amount and one would think that this could be within the margin of error in measuring, tire pressure differences, etc. The idea that this difference is by design in order to offset the crown in the road, doesn't make sense because Japan, England, Australia and other countries drive on the left side. Unless, maybe, if it is an intentional design feature, the difference in height is part of the installation / location of the steering wheel, pedals, etc.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(newpath @ Mar 12 2007, 08:37 PM) [snapback]404566[/snapback]</div>

Although I saw this post some time ago, I just decided to reply.

Mine is a lot more than 1/4 inch lower. I can see it sagging on the left side when I stand behind it.
That's looking at the body, not doing any measurements.

Dave M.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dmckinstry @ Mar 19 2007, 07:54 PM) [snapback]408674[/snapback]</div>

...same with mine.
jon

 

I noticed that my 2007 Touring #6 seemed to lean left - and it seemed to pull left. I never measured the suspension for lean, but it always felt like it favored the left side. I finally took it in for service @ 2900 miles and they adjusted the front alignment - the left was out of spec. I've barely driven it in the past couple of days since the realignment, but it feels much better --- no lean or pulling that I can detect. Oh, and the alignment was covered under warranty.