Is the Toyota Prius Really all it’s Cracked up to be?
The Toyota Prius realistically averages about 45 miles to the gallon. Sure, that’s pretty good, but is it really all that great? The Mini Cooper gets about 40 miles to the gallon, and it’s not a hybrid. My 25 year old motorcycle got 50-60 miles to the gallon, and it definitely wasn’t a hybrid. Hell, even my ’89 Corolla got like 35 miles to the gallon.
With all the research and development that went into the Prius, you’d think they could come up with something better than 45mpg. Sure, you might save a thousand or so a year (if you drive a lot), but is that worth the extra cost? Is it worth driving a car that can at best be described as “unique,” and at worst “ugly as sin?”
Despite the real-world facts about the Prius, it continues to be an environmentalist’s wet dream. It is praised as being “eco-friendly” and “responsible.” Yet far superior vehicles, such as the Tesla Roadster, get very little attention. In fact, let’s go ahead and compare the two:
The Toyota website claims a combined mpg average of 46. The Tesla website claims a combined mpg equivalent of 135. The Roadster wins – 3 times over.
Wikipedia states that the Prius has a 0-60 time of about 10 seconds, and the Roadster has a 0-60 time of about 4 seconds (by the way, that rivals most supercars).
Wikipedia states a top speed of 105 mph for the Prius, and 135 mph for the Roadster.
The Prius on average will have a range of 540 miles based on my own calculations and taking into account the 12 gallon tank. The Roadster has a range of 200 miles.
I couldn’t find exact information on this, but seeing as how the Prius runs partially on gasoline, it is bound to produce more emissions that the completely electric Roadster. Also of note: the Prius fails Georgia emissions testing. It is highly documented, look it up on Google.
So, as you can see, the only point where the Prius wins is range. But is that really a very big deal? I sure as hell don’t drive more than 200 miles in a day, and I’m guessing most people don’t. Unless you’re going on a long trip, this shouldn’t matter. Everything else outweighs range by a long shot.
As I’m sure someone will call this entire article obsolete if I don’t point this out, I’m going to go ahead and get it out of the way. People are bound to say that the MPG stated does not take into account the gallons of fuel used at power plants to generate the electricity needed to power the Roadster. In response I have one question: who’s to say that the electricity wasn’t generated at a solar, wind, water, or geothermic power plant? And, even if it was generated at a fossil fuel power plant, that’s why it’s the equivalent MPG.
I’m also sure that many of you are bound to say that acceleration and top speed don’t matter; that both vehicles are capable of breaking the law and that should be enough. Well, I have information for any of you who think that way: virtually everyone speeds. I have never ridden in a car with a single person who doesn’t speed at least a little. In fact, a lot of us like to go really fast, and the Prius definitely doesn’t provide that privilege.
If you don’t agree with me, and would like to point out how the Prius is actually super cool, join the forum and tell me about it. Also, use the button below to donate to my Tesla Roadster fund.