Is there a real rub between Touring and Standard

isn't the ground clearence exactly the same? except the different tires?

 

The ground clearance is the same between the two. On one side you have a larger rim, but lower profile tire... and on the other you have just the opposite. The revs per mile are almost identical. So close that manufacturing tolerances would probably play a bigger role in the overall size. Personally I prefer a narrower tire in the snow so in my OPINION the standard should do better in the snow due to the narrower tire. HOWEVER, it's my understanding that the standard tires are very poor in slippery conditions so if the Touring tires are of a better tread design for the slush, then that might compensate a bit. I can't speak on slippery tire performance as I live in Phoenix and find little flaw with the standard tires in my environment.

The Touring edition has a odd tire size that's rarely stocked at the local tire shops. As such, getting better snow tires will be both difficult and much more expensive. The standard wheels/tires are a very common size and are pretty cheap.

Other than those couple things to consider I don't believe a touring/standard really affects you much if your biggest concern is snow.

 

According to Consumer Reports, the Standard Prius has 3.5" road clearance, and the Touring Prius has 4.5" road clearance.

Below is a Word file with a complete comparison chart of Consumer Reports ratings and specifications for the Base/Standard Prius vs the Touring Prius:

 

interesting point tom, how about if you put touring rims and tires on a standard prius? would that remain the same clearance? specifically, my question would be, are the springs on the standard and touring the same ride height? hmmmmmm

 

Good point. I'm thinking it's the different springs height, and not the different wheel/tire combos which I think may be near identical in diameter/height/rpms.

 

The 07 service manual doesn't make any mention of different ride height(s) between Touring and Standard versions. They give one spec in the alignment section.

Could CR have made an error?

 

Yep, CR could have made an error too.

I'm going to ask BerkshirePrius about this because he's recently completed installing Touring suspension parts and wheels (but I think he's using non-Touring OEM tires) on his Standard Prius.

 

While we're on the subject, did CR make an error about the RPMs at 60 MPH? They list the base as running at 3,495 rpms and the touring at only 2,305 rpms. Taller wheels/tires could account for a little, but not 50%, higher rpms on the base model.

 

While the rims are an inch larger the tires should be the same circumfrence. That's why they go from 185/65/R15 to 195/55/R16. This is a common misconception. So, the point is unless the tires are not the corrects size, they should not be the culprits.

 

Because of the way that the E-CVT works, there is not a set RPM for a given speed like 60 mph. I could manipulate the "go" pedal and get 3000 rpm @ 60 mph, or back off and get 1300 rpm @ 60 mph.

CR should have put "N/A" in that category if they actually understood how the car works.

 

Thanks. That's what I suspected.

 

Exactly. CR doesn't know what they are talking about. I've seen the RPM at 100 km/hr (about 62 MPH) at 2100 or so and have seen it at 5000 in another case. It depends on the power required to maintain that speed. In fact, you could get 950 RPM at 100 km/hr if you go to "warp stealth".

The ground clearance on both models is the same within 0.25". The touring has stiffer components in the suspension, larger diameter wheels, and lower profile tires. So the only time it would have greater ground clearance would be on hard cornering (the car wouldn't "squat" as much on the suspension).

In deep snow you will plough with the front air dam with either car. Other than that, get good winter tires for either model if you want good operation in "real" winter weather.

I put Nokian WR tires in the stock 15" size on Pearl. No problems in snow as long as it's less than about 5" deep, and no problems on ice (freezing rain for example). I leave the tires on year round as they are true "all season" tires. They have the snowflake symbol so are legal on the interstates when chains are "required".

 

I don't know any of the technical terms or jargon but there is a definite clearance difference between at least the '05 Prius and the '09 Touring.

We have a very steep driveway and with the '05 Prius, we couldn't have more than 1 person in the car without scraping the bottom. With our new '09 Touring, two and even 3 people can clear it easily.

 

That is the main feature of the Touring model. It has an improved suspension system. The improved suspension could be enough to make the difference or it could be that the '09 has more cleareance by design. But 185/65/R15 and a 195/55/R16, OEM tires for both basic or standard and touring respectively have the ~same circumference, thus same radius, thus same heigth clearance.

P.S. 205/40/R17 tires are also same circumfernce. If not, your speedometer and odometer reading would all be inaccurate without other corrections, thus mucking with your warranty mileage, I.E. expiring before actual mileage is reached.

 

My touring Prius does fine in Chicago snow on the stock tires- though I can't say I've had the opportunity to get it sideways in a parking lot. However, I did learn how to actually drive in the snow, and I don't drive like a moron (not implying that you drive like a moron). I figure just get some Nokians if it's something that really freaks you out.

 

As I have posted before and above, get rid of the Goodyear Integrities -before- they cause an accident. You WILL save money getting good winter performing tires.

Cost of sliding into something/someone - upwards of $1000.
Cost of Nokian WR tires - $500
Cost of mileage difference - none
Value of avoiding accident - priceless!

My reasoning. I "threw away" the nearly new junk tires -before- last winter hit.