Horsepower...Does the Prius have any get-up and go???

I was worried about how speedy my Prius (I wasn't expecting a Supra but didn't want a 92 Civic either) was going to be but it didn't disappoint me when I bought it! The electric motor is kinda torquey down low...

 

The 2nd gen Prius has plenty of power for this type of car. I initially thought they were underpowered as well until I actually drove one. Then I was quite impressed. With the torque from the electric motor and no gear changes, it can be surprising quick from a dead stop up to about 30 - 40 MPH. 0-60 is 10 seconds, but it is an amazingly smooth acceleration. No problems passing, merging, etc.

Your impressions on the available power will depend upon what type of vehicle you are used to. I was used to an SUV with 190 HP. The Prius literally feels sporty compared to the SUV. And it is a lot more fun to drive and handles way better. If you're used to a sports car, it would take some getting used to, but it's not a slug by any means.

Just be sure to put on a set of good tires. The stock Goodyear Integrity tires have awful traction and can be dangerous if you're looking to accelerate briskly. Poor tires on a Prius can cause the traction control to activate and momentarily cut the throttle when you need it most (such as when making a left turn at an intersection with wet pavement or loose gravel). Good tires are always money very well spent, but more so with a Prius!

 

1/4 mile time slips for the Prius:

Fast Toyota Priuss 1/4 Mile 0-60 Drag Racing - DragTimes.com

 

Those are Gen I and Gen II (1.5l) 1/4 mile times, the Gen III (1.8l) should be faster.

Ar some theoretical level, Horsepower governs top speed and Torque governs low speed quickness. In practice they merge. But the Prius has much more torque than horsepower so it feels quicker to 60 than it does above 60.

2010 Honda Insight vs 2010 Toyota Prius - Specs - Comparison - Motor Trend