To: Spktyr
"2005 Honda Accord 3L EX Automatic: 21/30, 0-60 in 7.0
2005 Honda Accord 3L Hybrid Automatic: 29/37, 0-60 in 6.5"
Using the highway numbers and figuring gas at $3.00/gal it will take you about 174,000 miles to recoup your investment. Not counting the time value of money. And assuming you never have to put a nickle into maintaining the IMA system.
As for your 0-60 time, what's the number when the pack is at 1/2 or 1/4 charge? I don't know about the Accord, but in the Insight if I want to pass on a 2-lane road, I better check the state of charge first.
In reality, people don't see that much improvement. The fuel economy test does not take into account the head start you get with a full pack. We will see how this plays out, but I think when people start having to replace the battery packs, the popularity will go south in a hurry. The numbers I've heard for the Insight are $2000 for the pack alone, $5000 installed with computer upgrades they want you to have. And Honda balks at selling you the pack so you can do it yourself.
As far as styling is concerned, they certainly aren't any worse than those shoeboxes like the Element or Scion. Actually, my Insight reminds me of my old Citroen DS19, except it doesn't have the cool suspension system.
91 posted on
04/15/2005 10:03:21 AM PDT by
beef
(Who Killed Kennewick Man?)
To: beef
The hybrid Accord accelerates just fine when the charge is low - it has the same 3L engine as its conventional siblings. The added weight makes it a hair slower, but not enough to worry about.
92 posted on
04/15/2005 10:27:09 AM PDT by
Spktyr
(Overwhelmingly superior firepower and the willingness to use it is the only proven peace solution.)
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