View Single Post
Old 07-08-2012, 05:11 PM   #25 (permalink)
jamesqf
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 5,209
Thanks: 225
Thanked 811 Times in 594 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Mechanic View Post
Heck try a 58 Bug with about half the 68s horsepower, or a 59 AH Sprite at about 1200 pounds and maybe 40-45 HP...
Mech
Have done: if not those exact models, then similar -I think my Sprite was a '61 model. Different gearing, I suspect. Or perhaps an engine tuned to produce more low-end torque. Anyway, they would get up and go, where the Insight W/O assist just doesn't.

Anyhow, if you think the performance of a hybrid on ICE engine only is adequate, that just means you can downsize the engine further. Same with any other improvement in ICE efficiency: add the hybrid system to it, and you increase efficiency by the same factor.
  Reply With Quote