..recently rented a 2009 Prius w/18k miles and it seems a lot quieter than my 2010 w/4k miles when the ICE is engaged. Not only does the acceleration seem smoother in the '09 but when idle while the engine is warming up, i can barely hear it whereas in my '10 it sounds like a bunch of lug bolts being tossed around the engine--especially during acceleration. is the smoothness of the 09 simply because it is more broken in and the same thing will happen to the '10 is there a real difference in noise levels?
I have driven for over a year our 2005 which we sold and bought a 2010V. The 2010 is quieter than our 2005. I think they put more sound proofing in the 2010.
Well the 2010 does have a bigger engine after all. I've test driven the 2010, and I think it is a little louder, but less whinier, and the transitions between engine off and on are smoother.
I also haven't owned 2009 or earlier model, but with 2010, at certain point (near full acceleration), noise level is noticeably louder than normal. (Also sounds way louder and weird.)
