It seems my 2012 can coast much further than my 2009. Assuming my brakes are ok and not causing added drag, Is this behavior normal? My son usually drives the '09 so I just noticed this a couple days ago. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
I think it has more to do with the tires (low rolling resistance or not)and tire pressure. Owned both gens and I would say I didn't notice much difference, if anything the 2005 could coast a long time, especially if you just barely put your foot on the gas without using gas or battery eliminating the arrows on the MFD.
Additional info: both cars have new tires. The 2012 has Yokahamas, the 2009 has Michelins Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Are they both regular all season tires? And do you know what tire pressure you run? I really notice a difference in both gas mileage and rolling resistance if my tire pressure is around 30 psi. I always keep mine at 40 to 42 psi
Yes, both normal all season tires. I have the pressure in the 09 tires at about 40 psi, and 38 psi on the 2012, which makes this behavior seem even more unusual to me. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Hey neighbor! Hmm that is odd. How about gas mileage? I know that is very subjective if since they have different primary drivers and probably travel different routes, usually the 3rd generation gets a 2 or 3 MPG better.
My boy mostly only drives it to school and back each day which is only about 3-4 miles each way and he's averaging about 37-38 mpg. We took it on a longer trip a couple weeks ago and got about 49mpg. I drive my 2012 every day for work and average ~51-56mpg (depending on my level of traffic patience on any given day, LOL) Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Well sounds like everything is about right in that department too. That is odd though, I'll try to drive my ex Prius soon and try to see for my self again. (my ex Prius has 300,000 Miles ) My little sister drives it now
The newer design ought to be incrementally better, but not greatly better. If you now see a large difference, I'd go with brake drag or some other friction source that has developed with age.
Planning to check on the brakes this weekend. If I can't figure anything out I'll have it looked at. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
If you have time, watch this video. It will probably clear up some of the question you (OP) have. The 2nd and 3rd generation Prius transmissions are similar but at the same time, very different.
Can you post what specific tires on both. There's a wide gamut of rolling resistance in both companies. Also, with both cars: try feeling the rims after a drive, see if any feel hot to the touch, to rule out brake drag. You might also try raising the rears and spinning the wheels (with parking brake released).
Bisco.. I first read this as "try pushing them both in neutral on the same downhills at the same speed" oh my word!
I guess the Fred flinstone approach is one way to test which one has the lowest rolling resistance. And a good way to get some exercise at the same time.