I've remarked to a friend that next Prius, with which I plan
several cross continent trips and many 1-2 week trips,
has me relying on (aside from the electronics side) an engine that
is a quarter the size my first four 5.7L std. GM product, in first
four cars I ever owned. I'll probably get 4 times the safety, and definitely 4 times the mileage.
Of coarse enjoyment of driving comes partly from low fatigue-inducing
NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness), and slipstream design helps here,
but wondering what RPMs will be at say a constant 70 mph? This is a little engine but of coarse Power needed for those big stretches where no acceleration required, must be low. I'm just wondering if it sounds like it is being overworked for some 80 mph cruising, as in the other thread's
line of questioning? This purpose for the next Prius in my case is not a once in a while sprint (say to Florida), but a refreshing drive (say to Maine)
without thinking about tiredness caused by the drive. I realize this is subjective but I do now enjoy driving and comfort, quietness, I think, is being accomplished in mid-size vehicles with 105" min. wheelbase, and thus for my buying criteria, the current Prius is ruled out. (no offense).
Seat comfort is an issue and Toyota's new platform hopefully has
good ergonomic, stiffer design (in past they lie between N.A. manuf.'s softness and German hardness) and longer thigh support. Has anyone on this board done mods (modifications) for longer distance driving?
Any other advices out there for long distance driving pleasure. I remember my parents always stopped for a hot drink at 2:00 PM
and were finished driving by 3:30 PM latest--so there are a number of personal style hints/ideas to be tried.
several cross continent trips and many 1-2 week trips,
has me relying on (aside from the electronics side) an engine that
is a quarter the size my first four 5.7L std. GM product, in first
four cars I ever owned. I'll probably get 4 times the safety, and definitely 4 times the mileage.
Of coarse enjoyment of driving comes partly from low fatigue-inducing
NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness), and slipstream design helps here,
but wondering what RPMs will be at say a constant 70 mph? This is a little engine but of coarse Power needed for those big stretches where no acceleration required, must be low. I'm just wondering if it sounds like it is being overworked for some 80 mph cruising, as in the other thread's
line of questioning? This purpose for the next Prius in my case is not a once in a while sprint (say to Florida), but a refreshing drive (say to Maine)
without thinking about tiredness caused by the drive. I realize this is subjective but I do now enjoy driving and comfort, quietness, I think, is being accomplished in mid-size vehicles with 105" min. wheelbase, and thus for my buying criteria, the current Prius is ruled out. (no offense).
Seat comfort is an issue and Toyota's new platform hopefully has
good ergonomic, stiffer design (in past they lie between N.A. manuf.'s softness and German hardness) and longer thigh support. Has anyone on this board done mods (modifications) for longer distance driving?
Any other advices out there for long distance driving pleasure. I remember my parents always stopped for a hot drink at 2:00 PM
and were finished driving by 3:30 PM latest--so there are a number of personal style hints/ideas to be tried.