JCTownsley.com

Driving a Prius is like playing a video game - throughout the whole drive you are trying to manipulate the “go pedal” (can’t really call it a gas pedal if it doesn’t always use gas!) in order to maximize fuel economy. Words like “pulse and glide” and “warp stealth” are common terms between Prius drivers who want to maximize their mileage.

As I played with my mileage today (I’m still only averaging 48-50 mpg, but getting better) I thought about the BMW M Roadster I used to own. It was a blast to drive, let me tell you. Even if the top wasn’t down, just going around the corners and feeling so much power underneath your feet was incredible. But there was one major flaw with the car - big enough to convince me to trade it- you could not use the full potential of the car.

Driving it was like a child being locked in a cage, with their favorite toy just out of reach. I would drive the speed limit down the highway, dreaming of being attacked by a helicopter, racing away in mind-numbing speed. Sitting in traffic was the worst- as you knew you had the fastest car around, but you had to go 2 mph just like everybody else. Owning it left you frustrated, not exhilarated.

So if the utility or practicality of a car is in using its full potential- the Prius wins hands down. Driving down the road in electric mode is incredible. Sure you aren’t going faster than anybody else on the road- but you have the satisfaction of knowing you are reducing your carbon footprint. And as the computer flawlessly switches back and forth from the Internal Combustion Engine to the Battery Powered Electric Engine, you effortlessly glide down the road. I can’t tell you how many people I have scared in parking garages or downtown as they don’t even know you are there in electric only mode. Who knew that driving a car could be so much fun?