Hi- As I'm waiting to hear if my 09 Package 4 prius is a total loss, I've spoken with the dealer that sold it to me just 8 short weeks ago. They have a Nice sounding 08 Touring Package 5 That I would be interested in. I was curious what Differences there were between the 08 and the 09? Is the Traction control different? I thought I read somewhere that 09's had the best TC? Thanks!
Not so fast. The Touring includes NAV, 16" wheels, larger spoiler, and a different suspension. AFAIK the TC is unchanged.
http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html lists the packages. The touring will get slightly worse fuel economy but I discovered (and posted about at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ybrid-camry-vs-prius-gen-2-a.html#post1252239) that the touring, at least w/stock tires, has better braking than the non-touring. CR's fuel economy test results at ConsumerReports.org - Most fuel-efficient cars.
He asked if the TC was different. It isn't. As far as better braking with the touring, it has 16" wheels. The stock size tires on those wheels are slightly larger than the ones on the 15" wheels, so yes, you should get -slightly- "better" braking due to the slightly larger contact patch. BUT, on rough roads the slightly heavier wheel/tire combination on the touring will bounce a bit more, so the "better braking" will probably be negated. The slightly lower fuel economy is mostly due to extra air resistance of those slightly wider tyres and slightly higher friction to the road surface (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch). Finally, the 2008 touring is the same as the 2009 touring, other than as I posted above, colours and options.
