BMW vs Prius

[Sandy]

Interesting read.
The BMW looks like it has a much smaller frontal area than the boxy looking Prius.
That might account for the better mileage,
and they tested it on mainly highway type driving.
As acknowledged in the article, the hybrids are good around town,
but they have little advantage on the highway.

http://www.technoride.com/2008/03/bm...us_in_econ.php
http://www.technoride.com/2008/03/bm...us_in_econ.php

[Daox]

What article?

[SVOboy]

I think you forgot a link but I do believe I read this recently as well,

[HotRod]

Yea, I just read it on Yahoo. I find it interesting that they never attempt to simply drive slower. 78MPH!! Thats pushin a lot of air.

[Peakster]

The BMW is designed to go very quick. I find it's one of the fastest stock cars in Gran Turismo 4, not that it's a reputable source...

at 78 MPH, my super-miserly Geo would've only gotten ~30 MPG(US). I can't imagine people thinking "I need better fuel economy. I'm going to get a 2nd mortgage so I can buy a BMW M5".

[Daox]

Pretty skewed article IMO. Dunno why Europeans seem to dislike hybrid technology so much. Diesels and hybrids are different beasts, each has its strengths and weaknesses.

[SVOboy]

Yeah, I also thought the article was a little foolish. BMW is trying really hard to trick people into the power = FE gig though, I guess.

[roflwaffle]

Efficiency was still worse, since diesel has about 12-14% more energy per gallon. If they run the cars fast enough they'll hit a point where a Corvette's efficiency is about the same as that of the Prius, but PR stunts are just that.

Edit0-Running a ~500 mile highway test then adding 100 miles city doesn't really equalize much. Halfsies I could see, but then they probably wouldn't have gotten similar mileage.

Edit1-Someone needs look up the definition of energy...

"the Prius should take less energy than the BMW to maintain a constant cruising speed." Not so.

[HotRod]

Here, diesel is $3.93 and Reg. is $3.17. That's 24% more expensive. Call me crazy, but unless the Beemer can toast a Prius by at least 24% (mpgs), the Prius is still the way to go...from a dollars and cents perspective.

[HotRod]

Originally Posted by Peakster

at 78 MPH, my super-miserly Geo would've only gotten ~30 MPG(US). I can't imagine people thinking "I need better fuel economy. I'm going to get a 2nd mortgage so I can buy a BMW M5".

Yes Yes Yes...
I love the fact that my $750.00 car is toasting my inlaws prius.
Now that is just...satisfaction.