NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/-did-the-japanese-government-fund-the-toyota-prius-ar54974.html

Thoughts?

It doesnt bother me about the hybrids, seeing as hybrids are complete jokes. What bothers me more is undercutting.

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/-did-the-japanese-government-fund-the-toyota-prius-ar54974.html

Thoughts?

So what?

Thoughts?

No thanks. I'm trying to cut down. :)

No thanks. I'm trying to cut down. :)

lol
*takes LG's share of the thoughts and passes them on to MHiJ*

So what?

( besides the Prius being a waste ).

That might cause alot of political problems, that would mean Toyota was being funded to undercut other companies and patent technology which already existed, then forcing companies such as GM to pay royalties, not fair if you ask me, added to the fact that the prius isn't nearly as green as people claim it is.

So what?

Yeah, who cares? Except maybe Japanese taxpayers. But meh.

Also, But the point here is that if the Japanese government funded a car whos primary markets aren't Japan then they are undercutting the free trade agreements with the other countries...by doing that they are making for an unfair advantage and stealing jobs and profits from the other countries. Its unfair, granting money for a project is one thing, but paying for it 100% is different.

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/-did-the-japanese-government-fund-the-toyota-prius-ar54974.html

Thoughts?

I feel like asking Daistallia if the Prius is used in Japan... *thinks*

In other news, water is wet.

And in sports today, a playground dodge ball game erupted into crying and whining and shouts of "no fair!" when one of the little kids got hit hard by the ball, causing him to fall and skin his widdle knee.

According to the linked article, Chrysler is accusing Toyota (its competitor) of unfair business practices because it was faster in getting a certain product to market than Chrysler was. And Chrysler "knows" how Toyota cheated because their President (who works for Chrysler now and is paid to promote Chrysler's interests) used to work for Toyota, where he presumably cheated Chrysler in exactly this way. So what really is Chrysler's big bitch? That Toyota cheated? Or that Toyota did something perfectly legal in Japan, and that's no fair because Chrysler isn't in Japan and can't get the same government subsidies? Or that the Prius isn't worth buying because Toyota had help getting it ready to sell? Or just that Chrysler is late to the show and Toyota already snagged the best seats, wah? Or is Chrysler just wishing that the US government was more like the Japanese government and would do things to support Chrysler and help it get richer and richer every day... oh, wait.

And the saddest part is poor little GM on the sidelines, muttering to itself about how it knew -- it knew it should have gone hybrid, but didn't. Oh, why? Oh, why? *weep*

Also, But the point here is that if the Japanese government funded a car whos primary markets aren't Japan then they are undercutting the free trade agreements with the other countries...by doing that they are making for an unfair advantage and stealing jobs and profits from the other countries. Its unfair, granting money for a project is one thing, but paying for it 100% is different.

( besides the Prius being a waste ).

That might cause alot of political problems, that would mean Toyota was being funded to undercut other companies and patent technology which already existed, then forcing companies such as GM to pay royalties, not fair if you ask me, added to the fact that the prius isn't nearly as green as people claim it is.

\/

The Toyota Prius [ˈpri.əs] is a hybrid electric automobile developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the 2008 Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the U.S. According to the UK Department for Transport, the Prius is tied with the diesel MINI Cooper D as the second least CO₂-emitting vehicle behind the Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI.

So what?

qft

In other news, water is wet.

And in sports today, a playground dodge ball game erupted into crying and whining and shouts of "no fair!" when one of the little kids got hit hard by the ball, causing him to fall and skin his widdle knee.

According to the linked article, Chrysler is accusing Toyota (its competitor) of unfair business practices because it was faster in getting a certain product to market than Chrysler was. And Chrysler "knows" how Toyota cheated because their President (who works for Chrysler now and is paid to promote Chrysler's interests) used to work for Toyota, where he presumably cheated Chrysler in exactly this way. So what really is Chrysler's big bitch? That Toyota cheated? Or that Toyota did something perfectly legal in Japan, and that's no fair because Chrysler isn't in Japan and can't get the same government subsidies? Or that the Prius isn't worth buying because Toyota had help getting it ready to sell? Or just that Chrysler is late to the show and Toyota already snagged the best seats, wah? Or is Chrysler just wishing that the US government was more like the Japanese government and would do things to support Chrysler and help it get richer and richer every day... oh, wait.

And the saddest part is poor little GM on the sidelines, muttering to itself about how it knew -- it knew it should have gone hybrid, but didn't. Oh, why? Oh, why? *weep*

LMAO

Japan has actually been doing this kind of stuff for a while. Why do you think all televisions come from Japan now?

\/

I'll say one thing on being the greenest car in the USA, it just isnt. Its a rubbish car, its got no power at all, sucks in a crash, and in real life, wont get you more than 45mpg, a regular turbo diesel will do better than that, ALOT better.

I'll say one thing on being the greenest car in the USA, it just isnt. Its a rubbish car, its got no power at all, sucks in a crash, and in real life, wont get you more than 45mpg, a regular turbo diesel will do better than that, ALOT better.

Source? You seem to be sticking pretty faithfully to your unsubstantiated claims.

I'll say one thing on being the greenest car in the USA, it just isnt. Its a rubbish car, its got no power at all, sucks in a crash, and in real life, wont get you more than 45mpg, a regular turbo diesel will do better than that, ALOT better.
None of those complaints has anything to do with it being green.

Source? You seem to be sticking pretty faithfully to your unsubstantiated claims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmG05AtNVtM

Source One: On a daily drive, it never got above 45mpg.

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/17/toyota-prius-is-a-gas-guzzler-compared-to-the-bmw-520d/

Even a 177 Horsepower luxury car, big and heavy, can do better than a Prius can.

If the Prius was a diesel , I would take it far more seriously. Its nothing bad a fad.

Heres a tip, If you want a Green car with good mpg, buy a diesel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmG05AtNVtM

Source One: On a daily drive, it never got above 45mpg.

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/17/toyota-prius-is-a-gas-guzzler-compared-to-the-bmw-520d/

Even a 177 Horsepower luxury car, big and heavy, can do better than a Prius can.

If the Prius was a diesel , I would take it far more seriously. Its nothing bad a fad.

Heres a tip, If you want a Green car with good mpg, buy a diesel.

Haven't watched the video, but the article is rather suspect...

Toyota Prius is a gas guzzler compared to the BMW 520d
the Prius managed 40 mpg (U.S.). The 520d on the other hand managed 41.9 mpg, all in real world driving conditions.
Their bias is fairly obvious...

Edit: Just finished watching video...

The guy in the video's chief complaints seem to be (in order of how he stresses them)
1. It's quiet
2. It's not a sports car
3. It's over priced

Haven't watched the video, but the article is rather suspect...

Their bias is fairly obvious...

Edit: Just finished watching video...

The guy in the video's chief complaints seem to be (in order of how he stresses them)
1. It's quiet
2. It's not a sports car
3. It's over priced

Well, it is over priced to start with. And weather you like it or not, the BMW Sports car did BETTER than the hybrid Prius, even with a good 70 more horsepower, weighing more and having none of the fuel saving features that the prius had, it still manages to do better.

So would you rather have? A nice big luxury car thats, quiet, comfterble, has some decent power to do it, handles well.

Or, Would you rather have a cheap over priced plastic egg that gets worse MPG.

I'll say one thing on being the greenest car in the USA, it just isnt. Its a rubbish car, its got no power at all, sucks in a crash, and in real life, wont get you more than 45mpg, a regular turbo diesel will do better than that, ALOT better.

Funny! They seem to be popular as I constantly see them out on the road. If they were rubbish, they would not be selling at all.

It's also funny how ECF started out complaining that the Japanese government's policies of subsidizing Japanese businesses undercuts fair trade internationally, but now he seems most interested in persuading people to buy diesels instead of Priuses. Hm.

Heres a tip, If you want a Green car with good mpg, buy a diesel.

I may be wrong (and often am) but aren't diesel cars more polluting than petrol ones?

Looking for a reliable source now

Well, it is over priced to start with. And weather you like it or not, the BMW Sports car did BETTER than the hybrid Prius, even with a good 70 more horsepower, weighing more and having none of the fuel saving features that the prius had, it still manages to do better.

So would you rather have? A nice big luxury car thats, quiet, comfterble, has some decent power to do it, handles well.

Or, Would you rather have a cheap over priced plastic egg that gets worse MPG.

My question is why the guy in the video's most voiced complaint is that it is quiet?

It's also funny how ECF started out complaining that the Japanese government's policies of subsidizing Japanese businesses undercuts fair trade internationally, but now he seems most interested in persuading people to buy diesels instead of Priuses. Hm.

How does saying the Prius is a little POS ( which it is ) have anything to do with diesels? Someone said the Prius is the greenest car out there, and it isnt. It has more to do with them funding a fad, which doesn't help anyone.

And as far as emissions goes, not anymore.

http://www.dieselforum.org/meet-clean-diesel/what-is-clean-diesel/
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/lowsulfurdiesel.shtml

So, they're just as clean, get better miles to the gallon, last longer than a prius will. TDI VWs, small trucks, BMWs, theres loads to choose from.

And with the Prius theres that nasty 300 pound acid/heavy metal filled battery to worry about.

My question is why the guy in the video's most voiced complaint is that it is quiet?

The Top gear video? It seems he had more complaints than that.

Such as:

1. Nowhere near the claimed 60mpg
2. Its overpriced
3. Its cheaply made
4. Its slow

The BMW 500D didnt exist at the time of the filming, but if you read the page I posted you would find that it does better than a prius, with none of the drawbacks.

The Top gear video? It seems he had more complaints than that.

Such as:

1. Nowhere near the claimed 60mpg
2. Its overpriced
3. Its cheaply made
4. Its slow

The BMW 500D didnt exist at the time of the filming, but if you read the page I posted you would find that it does better than a prius, with none of the drawbacks.

But the fact that it was quiet is the one that he voiced the most.

As far as slow, according to him it will do 99mph, I don't ever do more than 75mph, so I fail to see how that is a problem.

Have I argued the overpriced at all?

How does saying the Prius is a little POS <snip because I don't give a crap>

If you want to trash a branded product go to a consumer/car shoppers forum, please. If you have something to say about an issue that might be worth debating, please do that here. Thanks.

PS: Please do not waste your time telling me, in posts directed to me, how shitty the Prius is. I do not care. I do not own a car, do not know how to drive a car, consider cars a big fucking pain in the ass of the modern world that are rapidly becoming more trouble than they are worth, and have zero interest in whether the Prius is a rip-off or the greatest innovation sinced pre-sliced ham. If other people are interested in your weird little anti-sales-pitch about Prius, talk to them please, not to me. I'm just hanging around a bit longer to see if this thread will turn towards an interesting topic.

Oh, and PPS: Just as a point of form, objections about the Prius's price, mileage, performance, etc, have nothing at all to do with its green-ness, which is judged by engine emissions. Therefore, those kinds of objections do not prove that the Prius is not as green as it claims to be. It might not be, but those objections do not prove it. I may care enough about debate to point out the flaws in your argument, but I still don't care about the subject of your argument.

I may be wrong (and often am) but aren't diesel cars more polluting than petrol ones?

Looking for a reliable source now
And as far as emissions goes, not anymore.

http://www.dieselforum.org/meet-clean-diesel/what-is-clean-diesel/
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/lowsulfurdiesel.shtml

So, they're just as clean,

Read the articles, could you point out where it says that diesel exhaust is as clean as petrol exhaust?

But the fact that it was quiet is the one that he voiced the most.

As far as slow, according to him it will do 99mph, I don't ever do more than 75mph, so I fail to see how that is a problem.

Have I argued the overpriced at all?

What my biggest beef with the Prius is, is that its a good idea gone completely wrong. I wouldn't have such a big problem with the government funding it if they would have actually made it a green car.

Sorry, but 99mph isnt nearly enough for me/

What my biggest beef with the Prius is, is that its a good idea gone completely wrong. I wouldn't have such a big problem with the government funding it if they would have actually made it a green car.

Sorry, but 99mph isnt nearly enough for me/

Personally I think hybrids in general, while a good start aren't going far enough...

Electric or Hydrogen cars is what we should be working on/towards.

Personally I think hybrids in general, while a good start aren't going far enough...

Electric or Hydrogen cars is what we should be working on/towards.

Thats my thoughts on the Prius and Hybrids in general exactly.

We need more diesel,hydrogen, electric. That kinda stuff.

Personally I think hybrids in general, while a good start aren't going far enough...

Electric or Hydrogen cars is what we should be working on/towards.

Hydrogen is still really far in the future, and electric cars need electricity. And where do we get most of our electricity from? Fossil Fuels.

But the fact that it was quiet is the one that he voiced the most.

As far as slow, according to him it will do 99mph, I don't ever do more than 75mph, so I fail to see how that is a problem.

Have I argued the overpriced at all?

And another thing one has to look at is road conditions and where the dude was driving.

Also, I do not see where it says 60mpgs for the Prius. I want to see a source for that.

And another thing one has to look at is road conditions and where the dude was driving.

Also, I do not see where it says 60mpgs for the Prius. I want to see a source for that.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorSelectEngine.jsp?year=2005&make=Toyota&model=Prius

Old EPA fuel economy estimate: 60mpg

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorSelectEngine.jsp?year=2005&make=Toyota&model=Prius

Old EPA fuel economy estimate: 60mpg

AH!! Toyota's website has it at 46mpg comb. hway/city driving.

A diesel mini is environmentally superior to the Prius, is also a better car if you're not trying to be some kind of "forward thinking" business exec or whatever, in which case a mini would look ridiculous, whereas a Prius might be a better option.

AH!! Toyota's website has it at 46mpg comb. hway/city driving.

.Gov is where I got my info from, and up until recently ( my mother bought a Tundra a few months ago ) all the prius's had 60mpg stamped on them.

AH!! Toyota's website has it at 46mpg comb. hway/city driving.

Because that is the new EPA estimate...

No change in the Prius, just in the way the EPA arrives at their estimates.

Because that is the new EPA estimate...

No change in the Prius, just in the way the EPA arrives at their estimates.

That's why I do not trust the government on these matters :D

That's why I do not trust the government on these matters :D

They changed the way they arrived at their estimates due to the fact that they finally realized their estimates were unrealistic.
The old estimates were still good for comparing different cars...

I also find it amusing that the article and the video that ECF put up (and ECF himself) go on about how diesels are so much better for mpg, they offer no proof thereof...

Also here's the EPA's list of most fuel efficient vehicles:
Toyota Prius (48 city mpg)
Honda Civic Hybrid (40 city mpg)
smart fortwo (33 city mpg)
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/best/bestworstNF.shtml

They changed the way they arrived at their estimates due to the fact that they finally realized their estimates were unrealistic.
The old estimates were still good for comparing different cars...

I also find it amusing that the article and the video that ECF put up (and ECF himself) go on about how diesels are so much better for mpg, they offer no proof thereof...

Also here's the EPA's list of most fuel efficient vehicles:
Toyota Prius (48 city mpg)
Honda Civic Hybrid (40 city mpg)
smart fortwo (33 city mpg)
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/best/bestworstNF.shtml

Funny, these desials get about the same mpg as a prius ( slightly less, ), but the funny thing is, none of them have a single " fuel sipping " device in them, no hybrid drive, no re genitive braking, no crazy aerodynamics, just a regular car with a different engine.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?column=1&id=17649
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?column=1&id=21884

They do nearly as good as the overpriced prius. Without looking stupid.

Heres some euro offereings.

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/#/new/polo/which-model/engines/fuel-consumption/

Check out the Blue motion engine, which btw is coming to America in late 2008 ( in the Golf ).

Nearly 75 combined MPG.

So yeah, they do great.

Funny, these desials get about the same mpg as a prius ( slightly less, ), but the funny thing is, none of them have a single " fuel sipping " device in them, no hybrid drive, no re genitive braking, no crazy aerodynamics, just a regular car with a different engine.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?column=1&id=17649
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?column=1&id=21884

They do nearly as good as the overpriced prius. Without looking stupid.

Thank you, although I must say I actually kind of like the Prius' looks...
Different strokes and all that...


Heres some euro offereings.

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/#/new/polo/which-model/engines/fuel-consumption/

Check out the Blue motion engine, which btw is coming to America in late 2008 ( in the Golf ).

Nearly 75 combined MPG.

So yeah, they do great.

I rather like the Polo Bluemotion, although from an independent site the fuel economy is listed @ 62.3 (still very good though)
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/07/volkswagens_pol.php

Sorry, but 99mph isnt nearly enough for me/
For those of us who have no NASCAR fantasies and seldom even reach the low 80's, it's an excellent car. My buddy has one, and loves it. "Quiet" to me is an advantage, along with the better mileage, aside from any altruistic concen about emissions. The only beef that I do agree with is that the price remains too high, but as the technology matures that will come down. I thank the Japanese for getting the process started.

Japan has actually been doing this kind of stuff for a while. Why do you think all televisions come from Japan now?
Because they are better?

All the other 'socialist' countries do this. Hell, Boeing's main competitor in the public aircraft market is part of a company where the governments of the various countries are on the board and make decisions.

What my biggest beef with the Prius is, is that its a good idea gone completely wrong. I wouldn't have such a big problem with the government funding it if they would have actually made it a green car.

Sorry, but 99mph isnt nearly enough for me/
Never mind the fact that nowhere in America can you legally exceed 80 (that I know of).

Thank you, although I must say I actually kind of like the Prius' looks...
Different strokes and all that...




I rather like the Polo Bluemotion, although from an independent site the fuel economy is listed @ 62.3 (still very good though)
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/07/volkswagens_pol.php

Thats what Im saying, diesel cars get far better miles to the gallon than a gas engine can, its just they way they work, they naturally burn use more energy found in the fuel because of how they combust the fuel ( compression ), there was a point when they were rather dirty, but that time is gone. They make alot more torque as well, also they last far longer.

I liked the looks of the prius at one point, and I even like the idea of it, however its not the " save the planet " green car that everyone thinks it is, its just a neat idea.

To the above, I dont have any nascar in me, in fact I hate nascar. And I dont drive above 100, I drive 80-90, and I need a car thats stable at those speeds, and a Prius is NOT.

I drive 80-90, and I need....
Whoa, stop right there. You don't NEED to be driving 80-90.

Whoa, stop right there. You don't NEED to be driving 80-90.

Well, I drive 80-90 like everyone else does on the interstate around the city of Pittsburgh. So I need a car that can handle being at those speeds for extended periods.

Well, I drive 80-90 like everyone else does on the interstate around the city of Pittsburgh. So I need a car that can handle being at those speeds for extended periods.

1) That explains why so many cars are constantly pulled over by State Cops

2) Explains the high number of accidents around Pittsburgh as well

3) Not everyone does 80-90MPH around Pittsburgh Either. Most people actually do do the speed limit if not 5 over it.

1) That explains why so many cars are constantly pulled over by State Cops

2) Explains the high number of accidents around Pittsburgh as well

3) Not everyone does 80-90MPH around Pittsburgh Either. Most people actually do do the speed limit if not 5 over it.

Right, whenever I go down 79, I do 85-90 and Im still getting passed like Im standing still, same thing all the way up 79 to Moraine.

Right, whenever I go down 79, I do 85-90 and Im still getting passed like Im standing still, same thing all the way up 79 to Moraine.

Funny...when I traveled on79, though I was passed, it was rarely by someone going more than 80. Even on 76 people do not go as fast as you're talking about because of the cops.

Funny...when I traveled on79, though I was passed, it was rarely by someone going more than 80. Even on 76 people do not go as fast as you're talking about because of the cops.

I travel on it every single day, I know where the cops always hide, so I know where I can go as fast as I want and I have to slow down.

I travel on it every single day, I know where the cops always hide, so I know where I can go as fast as I want and I have to slow down.

Until they change it up and you get caught. Besides...speeding lowers your reaction time to change in road conditions.

I need a car thats stable at those speeds, and a Prius is NOT.

So you need a car that accomodates your need to break the law and risk the safety of not only yourself, but every other driver in your vicinity?

Tough titty. :)

Until they change it up and you get caught. Besides...speeding lowers your reaction time to change in road conditions.

Not really, its calling paying attention to what your doing, I dont talk on my cellphone nor do I do anything when I drive, and I maintain all of my cars very well.

If you see an 07 SI or a Volvo 740T doing 90, its prolly me.

Not really, its calling paying attention to what your doing, I dont talk on my cellphone nor do I do anything when I drive, and I maintain all of my cars very well.

Car maintainance means nothing and one can pay attention all they like but that still lowers your reaction time as you need a longer period of time to slow down and stop. Unless of course you like to pay several hundred dollars for new brakes because of constantly slamming on them.

Car maintainance means nothing and one can pay attention all they like but that still lowers your reaction time as you need a longer period of time to slow down and stop. Unless of course you like to pay several hundred dollars for new brakes because of constantly slamming on them.

Sure it does, it means you can safely go 80-85 miles an hour and have no problems. When I go to see my GF up in Z-town ( about a 15 mile drive ), I crack 100 all the time, and never have any problems, AT ALL.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q173/NCCSean/VOLVO.jpg

Brakes? The Volvo has 12 inch Disc ABS brakes, which are easy to replace, they dont mind being used alot.

Sure it does, it means you can safely go 80-85 miles an hour and have no problems. When I go to see my GF up in Z-town ( about a 15 mile drive ), I crack 100 all the time, and never have any problems, AT ALL.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q173/NCCSean/VOLVO.jpg

Brakes? The Volvo has 12 inch Disc ABS brakes, which are easy to replace, they dont mind being used alot.

Nice of you to make the decision of what constitutes an acceptable risk for everyone driving near you as well as yourself. I'll keep that in mind when I decide to ride my motorcycle through your living room. I'm a very capable driver and it's perfectly safe. *nod*

Nice of you to make the decision of what constitutes an acceptable risk for everyone driving near you as well as yourself. I'll keep that in mind when I decide to ride my motorcycle through your living room. I'm a very capable driver and it's perfectly safe. *nod*

Funny, Ive been doing it for 5 years on the same stretch of road, and I know people have been doing it longer, none of us have never been in a single accident.

Funny, Ive been doing it for 5 years on the same stretch of road, and I know people have been doing it longer, none of us have never been in a single accident.

Then you're tempting fate. Next week when an escaped monkey causes a 160 car pileup, don't come crying to me. :p

I often drive a Prius work car and have found:

1. The silence when you start up or at traffic lights is creepy initially.
2. Around town it gets 20+ km per litre
3. On freeways or country roads it gets about the same as any other small car, maybe slightly better - 13-14 km per litre.
4. It doesn't have the acceleration of a muscle car but when the electric motor and petrol engine kick in together it sure beats other small cars.
5. The vision out the side and rear windows is shit and you can't see the front of the car - all this makes it horrible to park.
6. It's a nice car to drive.

Source One: On a daily drive, it never got above 45mpg.


Nonsense. I have rented Priuses all over the USA and have gotten 50 mpgs on a lot of occasions.

btw...most of the time...driving at the average speed of the traffic will get you to your destination at the same time as driving faster than traffic. When there is a slow patch..the average speed guy catches up..that's why it is the average speed.

All this "oh I have to drive at 80 to 90 on a 70 speed limit" is crap, IMHO. At the most, you save a few minutes. Totally not worth it considering the accident risks, ticket risks and mileage costs of driving at higher speeds.

Funny, Ive been doing it for 5 years on the same stretch of road, and I know people have been doing it longer, none of us have never been in a single accident.

I'm sure that if you or one of your friends wipes someone out in a high speed accident their relatives will take great comfort in the fact that it's your first accident in 5 years:rolleyes:

Sure it does, it means you can safely go 80-85 miles an hour and have no problems. When I go to see my GF up in Z-town ( about a 15 mile drive ), I crack 100 all the time, and never have any problems, AT ALL.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q173/NCCSean/VOLVO.jpg

Brakes? The Volvo has 12 inch Disc ABS brakes, which are easy to replace, they dont mind being used alot.

You're an idiot if you think 100mph is acceptable. That puts every other driver on the road at risk. I bet you also swerve in and out of traffic because of people going slower than you as well.

btw...most of the time...driving at the average speed of the traffic will get you to your destination at the same time as driving faster than traffic. When there is a slow patch..the average speed guy catches up..that's why it is the average speed.

All this "oh I have to drive at 80 to 90 on a 70 speed limit" is crap, IMHO. At the most, you save a few minutes. Totally not worth it considering the accident risks, ticket risks and mileage costs of driving at higher speeds.

That's also a true statement.

Electric or Hydrogen cars is what we should be working on/towards.

Electric yes, hydrogen no.

The latter doesn't solve pollution unless the hydrogen is produced, stored and moved around in environmentally friendly way.

The former on the other hand is more efficient than using electricty to convert water into hydrogen OR driving around in a petrol guzzling car.

For that matter, hybrids are great in city environment where the battery is used for driving - When you get into highways then it's a petrol car with added weight.


I do wonder why there are so few diesel hybrids out there? They would be even more CO2 friendly in urban speeds though do cause more other sorts of pollution - namely fine particles - UNLESS fitted with proper filters which, surprise surprise, aren't mandatory or the issue even publicly well known because it's in car maker's interest not to add extra cost or negative image to the car. The side effects that may be caused by diesel powered cars are usually conveniently forgotten when advertising low fuel consumption. :rolleyes:

Electric yes, hydrogen no.

The latter doesn't solve pollution unless the hydrogen is produced, stored and moved around in environmentally friendly way.

The former on the other hand is more efficient than using electricty to convert water into hydrogen OR driving around in a petrol guzzling car.

For that matter, hybrids are great in city environment where the battery is used for driving - When you get into highways then it's a petrol car with added weight.


I do wonder why there are so few diesel hybrids out there? They would be even more CO2 friendly in urban speeds though do cause more other sorts of pollution - namely fine particles - UNLESS fitted with proper filters which, surprise surprise, aren't mandatory or the issue even publicly well known because it's in car maker's interest not to add extra cost or negative image to the car. The side effects that may be caused by diesel powered cars are usually conveniently forgotten when advertising low fuel consumption. :rolleyes:

Have you seen the price of deisel fuel?