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I realize that due to required safety features the weight of cars today is a lot more than 20 years ago when you had the GM 2.8 and 3.8 liter V6 engines paired with lightweight sedans that had a lot of torque and were peppy for in-town driving relative to their weight. What are some under $30k sedans of the last 10 years that have good torque and are the opposite of a Prius, which I've read is a "dog" as far as in town acceleration.
...What are some under $30k sedans of the last 10 years that have good torque and are the opposite of a Prius, which I've read is a "dog" as far as in town acceleration.
I'd bet most people who talk about the Prius being doggy for in-town acceleration have never driven one. I own one, and it's not bad at all in town. It's no rocket, but it'll get you moving quickly enough. (This isn't a Prius recommendation for you, just an opinion to counter what you've read.) I've owned more than my share of quick cars, and while the Prius isn't in that category, it does just fine for city driving. I regularly drive it at 80 mph (our interstate speed limit around here) without problems. I don't know how fast it'll go, but it handles 80 just fine. It just doesn't get 50 mpg at 80... nor at 70 without a good tailwind.
Everything I read says Civic or Mazda3 if you want small and peppy. Accord and Camry are good if you want faster.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Happs
I realize that due to required safety features the weight of cars today is a lot more than 20 years ago when you had the GM 2.8 and 3.8 liter V6 engines paired with lightweight sedans that had a lot of torque and were peppy for in-town driving relative to their weight. What are some under $30k sedans of the last 10 years that have good torque and are the opposite of a Prius, which I've read is a "dog" as far as in town acceleration.
Only a turbo will have the torque that you're looking for. In the "old days" of OHV engines like the above, torque took precedence over horsepower. In todays naturally aspirated OHC engines, horsepower takes precedence over torque. You *might* be ok with a 2.5 Mazda 3, but you're still going to have to thrash it at times.
They aren't sedans, but a supercharged Mini Cooper (2001-2006, R53 model) seats four and is probably the most fun small car I've driven compared to things like turboed Minis, Civic Sis, WRXs, Mazdaspeed3s, etc. Plus, given the myriad visual mods and strong aftermarket, they are all pretty unique and the opposite of a Prius.
If you don't mind FWD, my favorite would be the Nissan Maxima, from the first generation that had the 3.5L engine. It was comparatively light (for the modern era). Gearing and throttle-mapping was such that a gentle push of the accelerator-pedal resulted in satisfyingly peppy response.
According to Edmunds.Com the 2015 Malibu comes only with a 4-cylinder engine.
Daniel B. Martin
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