Need new car... please help!

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

This one produces a whopping 177kW of power and just flies down the motorway.

One of the things that's neat about the Toyota Prius is how much torque it has:

Wimpy Gas Engine 1.5L
76 hp @ 5000 rpm (57 kW @ 5000 rpm)
Torque 82 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm (111 N m @ 4200 rpm)

PLUS

Motor type Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor
Power output 67 hp @ 1200-1540 rpm (50 kW @ 1200-1540 rpm)
Torque 295 lb.-ft. @ 0-1200 rpm (400 Nm @ 0-1200 rpm)

My former 2000 Chevy Camaro Z28 had approximately 330hp/300lbft stock. That's like 246 kW via a 5.7L v8... yummy!