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The one that gets the same gas mileage but has better styling would be the superior engineering achievement, so I'd choose that one. But now imagine a 3rd optio

by pohl 10y ago

The one that gets the same gas mileage but has better styling would be the superior engineering achievement, so I'd choose that one. But now imagine a 3rd option that takes whatever advantages made that possible and puts them in the body with better aerodynamics: again I'd choose against style.

mikeash 10y ago
I don't know if that sort of tradeoff really exists. Looking at a list of low-drag cars, most of them look great: http://motorburn.com/2014/01/12-of-the-most-aerodynamic-cars-in-production-right-now/ http://motorburn.com/2014/01/12-of-the-most-aerodynamic-cars... Car styling is always a matter of taste, but I bet virtually everyone will find at least a couple of cars on that list that they think are nice to look at. The Prius's weird styling isn't so much to be efficient, but to look efficient. The latest generation makes that much more obvious. Those weird lines and mismatched rear panels aren't doing anything for aerodynamics, but they call out that this car is different.
- chmaynard 10y ago
  I think you're overlooking something. The Gen 2 Prius is classified as a mid-size hatchback. I suspect that had something to do with Toyota's decision to go with the odd shape. The extra space wasn't important to me when I bought it, but it is now. For example, I can put down the rear seats and place an assembled bicycle inside, without removing the front wheel or lowering the seat post. I couldn't even think about doing that with my last car, an Acura Integra.
  - Alupis 10y ago
    > I think you're overlooking something. The Gen 2 Prius is classified as a mid-size hatchback It's one of the oddest shaped hatchbacks in production, and frankly looks weird to even a hatchback lover like myself. Take a look at the front runners in the hatchback field, you'll notice big differences in aerodynamics, "sleekness", and styling. Ford Focus, VW Golf, etc... all far better looking cars than the weirdly lined Prius.

by pohl 10y ago

mikeash 10y ago

I don't know if that sort of tradeoff really exists. Looking at a list of low-drag cars, most of them look great: http://motorburn.com/2014/01/12-of-the-most-aerodynamic-cars-in-production-right-now/ http://motorburn.com/2014/01/12-of-the-most-aerodynamic-cars... Car styling is always a matter of taste, but I bet virtually everyone will find at least a couple of cars on that list that they think are nice to look at. The Prius's weird styling isn't so much to be efficient, but to look efficient. The latest generation makes that much more obvious. Those weird lines and mismatched rear panels aren't doing anything for aerodynamics, but they call out that this car is different.

chmaynard 10y ago
I think you're overlooking something. The Gen 2 Prius is classified as a mid-size hatchback. I suspect that had something to do with Toyota's decision to go with the odd shape. The extra space wasn't important to me when I bought it, but it is now. For example, I can put down the rear seats and place an assembled bicycle inside, without removing the front wheel or lowering the seat post. I couldn't even think about doing that with my last car, an Acura Integra.
- Alupis 10y ago
  > I think you're overlooking something. The Gen 2 Prius is classified as a mid-size hatchback It's one of the oddest shaped hatchbacks in production, and frankly looks weird to even a hatchback lover like myself. Take a look at the front runners in the hatchback field, you'll notice big differences in aerodynamics, "sleekness", and styling. Ford Focus, VW Golf, etc... all far better looking cars than the weirdly lined Prius.