Toyota Prius vs. BMW M3 – Which One Wins?

Hint #1 – the competition is on a race track
Hint #2 – the competition is for best fuel economy
Hint #3 – the winner is not who you think

This comparison has a lesson for all of us

The test:
Last summer the British TV’s auto enthusiast show Top Gear performed a very interesting comparison test between the Toyota Prius and BMW M3 to see which vehicle would record the best actual fuel economy after driving 10 high-speed laps around the Top Gear 1.75 mile test track in Surrey, England. The Prius, designed for optimal fuel economy, would be the lead car and attempt to complete the 10 laps of the track as fast as it could. The BMW M3, designed for performance, would follow-behind and keep pace with the Prius.

The contenders:
2008 Toytota Prius Hybrid
1.5L 110 hp 4-cyl gas engine + electric motor
48 / 45 MPG city / highway EPA fuel economy rating

2008 BMW M3
4.0L 414hp V8 gas engine
14 / 20 MPG city highway EPA fuel economy rating

The results:
The Prius was driven flat-out, at times reaching speeds of 100 mph. The BMW M3, while going just as fast, was in no way struggling to keep pace. After 10 laps around the track, the Prius recorded an actual measured fuel economy of 17.2 miles per gallon and the BMW M3 recorded an actual measured fuel economy of 19.4 miles per gallon.

The lesson for all of us:
I’ve written before about the many steps that can be taken to reduce gasoline consumption immediately... instead of putting all of our hopes behind waiting for consumers to adopt hybrid-electric and all electric vehicles. The Top Gear test illustrates how driving habits play a major role in fuel consumption. Drive a Prius full-out and you loose all of the engineered-in fuel savings benefits, and then some. If you increase the time you incorporate moderate, fuel-saving driving habits when driving your performance car - or any car for that matter - then you will reduce your fuel consumption, immediately. No need to wait for 2011+ electric cars.