Is a hybrid ready to take on a couple of V8-powered performance cars?
In the subject of straight-line speed and performance, Toyota Prius, known for being eco-friendly and fuel-efficient, isn't the first car that will come to mind. It has gained a reputation over the years of its existence - something that only Paul Walker can reverse.
But TFL Classics isn't one for the norm and pitted the hybrid econo-car against American classic sports cars for an unexpected drag race anyway.
The lineup for this contest included a 1995 Pontiac Trans Am Comp T/A, armed with a Ram Air 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine generating 305 horsepower, and a 1988 Chevrolet Corvette C4, equipped with an L98 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 245 hp.
Both of these classic performance vehicles boasted rich drag racing heritage, with certain C4 variants still commanding attention in the used car market.
In contrast, the latest Toyota Prius offered approximately 200 hp, harnessing the power from an electric motor-assisted powertrain.
The initial quarter-mile drag race featured the Prius versus Pontiac Trans Am, with the Prius surprisingly gaining an early advantage at launch. However, the Trans Am, propelled by its potent V8 engine, managed to close the gap and clinched the win at the end of the quarter mile.
The Prius then took on the Corvette C4. The story was a bit different here, with the Prius left in the dust while the American sports car surged ahead, winning by a substantial margin.
Considering the exceptional fuel efficiency that can be achieved with the Prius, offering up to 52 miles per gallon for the Prius Prime, the result could still be deemed a win for the humble Toyota.
There are other performance assessments done in the video, which the Prius consistently (and surprisingly) aced in comparison to the aging Trans Am and Corvette C4.
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