BMW M3 Beats Prius in Fuel Economy Test

Really! And this comes from the BBC of all places, who claim in their test that a 414HP BMW got better fuel economy than a 76HP Toyota hybrid.

"In this test, the M3 matched the speed of the Prius as the hybrid ran flat-out over ten laps of the 1.8 mile Top Gear Test Track in Surrey, England. Measurements taken after the run show that the Prius returned just 14.3 miles to the US gallon, while the BMW had 12 percent better fuel economy at 16.1 miles per gallon."

I wonder what kind of mileage a hybrid gets when off-roading. I drive on class 4 roads a lot. I'll buy whichever car gets the best mileage while doing 50 mph through two foot deep mud holes. You think Toyota will lend me a loaner so I can find out?

Comments

[G. Cross]

Who cares if a $50,000+ car running at half, or less, of its capacity gets better mileage than a $20,000 one running at full capacity? In fact no sane person would run a Prius at full-trottle. When comparing the normal driving habits of those who own a Prius with those who own the BMW M3, guess which one will get the best mileage?

[Greg Decker]

I care.