"Matthew Russotto" > wrote in message
...
> Sure. Also a lower drag coefficient (note it's a half-inch shorter,
> among other differences). And simple lack of power -- 93hp compared to
> 127 hp.

But the electric motor has more torque than a gas engine.

Some of the Honda Civics have faster acceleration, but 12 seconds is about
equal to many other smaller cars (Toyota Corolla is about equal to that).

> Well, no. It claims 22 percent better mileage according to EPA tests
> that happen to overestimate hybrid mileages. Actual difference, based
> on your 40mpg figure, is probably more like half that, though it's
> hard to tell again because there's no CVT non-hybrid Civic.

A CVT accouns for 7 percent of the difference. (and to correct something
I wrote earlier, this site http://www.carlist.com/autonews/2005_hybrids.html
lists the fuel improvement as 40 percent vs. the regular sedan).