Thứ Hai, 6 tháng 2, 2017

Article on Model S fans vs. Prius fans part 1

  • Aug 2, 2013
    lorih
    I just found this article today in an auto blog. It tries to characterize fans of Model S vs. Toyota Prius. This quote below I find very surprising:

    "When you take a look at the data, you see that the nearly million Prius fans somehow polled showed an above-average interest in things like yoga, sustainability, Apple and reading The Atlantic. We're as shocked as you are. As for the approximately 200,000 Model S fans? They seemed big on economics, Jim Beam, strip clubs and weed. Additionally, "Environmentalism is not a substantial area of interest... this may indicate that Tesla interest is driven by the technological or aspirational aspects of the brand rather than its environmental benefits."

    Toyota Prius, Tesla Model S fans apparently like very different things

    Not sure where they got their data from. The people I spoke to at TESLIVE were environmentalists, Techies or both. Anyone out there actually feels this article represents you?

    :confused:
    �
  • Aug 2, 2013
    gg_got_a_tesla
    Very cool stuff, Lori! This is definitely me:

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  • Aug 2, 2013
    Jason S
    The source data is oddly self selective: "In this case, a minimal level of interest in a specific automobile model was used to define a set of users across the Gravity personalization network. A total of 900,000 Prius fans and 183,000 Tesla Model S aficionados met our selection criteria." from the original article at What Your Electric Car Says About You | Blog

    Whatever 'gravity.com' is. (cranky old man mode here) :wink:

    And then the article you highlighted derived some awful conclusions from the already awful data set. Here's the gravity.com conclusions from their data set:
    Unsure why the gravity.com folks consider cannabis such a differentiating factor... could prolly compare Ford vs Chevy and get equally odd numbers for many of the some factors in the < 5x difference categories.
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  • Aug 2, 2013
    brianman
    Oh, so a good time to ask:
    Is this like when you go on a first date and say "I like movies"?

    What does "into music" mean?
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  • Aug 2, 2013
    HHHH
    That's really interesting, as I tell my wife, I would likely still have purchased the Model S even if it was gas powered. I love the tech in the car, and the fact that it doesn't require any gas is just a bonus.
    �
  • Aug 3, 2013
    lorih
    Thanks for finding the link to the original article. Still odd, but perhaps not as jarring.

    - - - Updated - - -

    So their so called 'data' comes from: "Their individual Interest Graphs had previously been created for the purposes of personalization of content; every click on content or advertising within the network is analyzed semantically and augments the nodes and edge weights for the engaged user."

    So they didn't actually poll people, they just looked to see if they clicked on an advertisement for Eggo's waffles?!? Hard to draw good conclusions from that. (Which probably explains the comment that Brianmann pointed out about movies, though doesn't actually explain bad first dates.)
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  • Aug 3, 2013
    Zythryn
    When you realize they are looking at fans, not owners it makes a lot of sense.
    A very high percentage of Prius fans are very concerned about the environment. As that is the primary 'plus' of the Prius. There are a few people very focused on national security/fiscal health, but for most the environment is the big issue. The Prius lacks performance, and has a 'style' all its own but not the typical definition of style.

    The Model S appeals on many levels, including a more common definition of style, performance, cutting edge tech (which the Prius did have at one time) and for most people, environment. In addition, the electric drive has a huge advantage in quality of drive and convenience of fueling at home.

    I would guess that if you took a survey of actual owners, basically early adopters, the environment would score higher than it does from 'fans', but still not as high as fans of the Prius (I'm in both camps).

    The Model S has a MUCH wider market, the Prius is very focused.
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  • Aug 3, 2013
    Gear
    I'm the same in that I'm much more interested in the tech than any environmental impact. I'm still not sure how good the car is for the environment with all those batteries. But the electric drive is part of the cool tech in the car I think. If it were gasoline, it would basically be another gasoline car but with a giant touchscreen in it. The silent thrust and the immediate acceleration that comes from not having a transmission are some of the coolest things about it in my opinion. :) Oh, and never having to stop at a gas station again is pretty cool too!
    �
  • Aug 3, 2013
    lorih
    I am a fan, and I totally agree with you! The way I said it to a friend after TESLIVE: this car is so cool that it brings together the environmentalists, the sports car lovers, the luxury car drivers, and the practical car buyer that 'gets a Toyota or a Honda and drives it 10-15 years' because a car is just a way to get from A to B. All these type of people like the Model S, afterall Elon has said he didn't just set out to build a good electric car, he set out to build the BEST car, electric or not. And anyone with first hand knowledge of the car would agree. He hit it on style, performance, technology, comfort, safety, AND no gas, and free long distance travel once Super Chargers are up...

    so basically, we should expect a diverse group of fans, and I am happy about that.
    �
  • Aug 3, 2013
    Doug_G
    Yeah right. Economics is interesting but I'm much more interested in science. I had to Google Jim Beam to find out it was whiskey. Strip clubs, seriously??? :confused: I don't smoke weed or anything else for that matter.

    Sounds like they polled in an alternate universe, you know, the one where Spock has a beard.
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  • Aug 3, 2013
    lorih
    Yeah, that's exactly what I thought. Thanks for restoring my faith. No one else here commented on the wiskey, weed smoking and strip clubbing, which was why I started this thread, I thought, WTF? (maybe the author of that article was smoking weed?)

    Even at TESLIVE closest I saw was cookies and beer (after 11 pm) in the hot tub while wearing bathing suits..and even then the conversation was pretty much about car features, software updates, and investments.

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  • Aug 3, 2013
    artsci
    They have no data. Their so called research is garbage. It's total BS.
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  • Aug 3, 2013
    brianman
    (In Darth Vader voice: ) Francis never told you what he put in those cookies....
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  • Aug 4, 2013
    kendallpb
    (coughing on my weed, spitting out my whiskey) Uh . . . wut? Sorry, dude, I just got back from the strip club. Missed all the excitement, wuzzup? ;-)
    �
  • Aug 4, 2013
    lorih
    LOL!

    The Dude Abides (but now in a Model S). "The floor mats really pull the car together"
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  • Aug 4, 2013
    jerry33
    And here I thought the car was held together by welds and fasteners--learn something new every day. :)
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  • Aug 4, 2013
    brianman
    It's worth the longer clip:



    So many quotes in 2m 20s.
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  • Aug 4, 2013
    Jessica Sideways
    Well, I'm into yoga, sustainability and Apple and my first car will be a Tesla.
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  • Aug 4, 2013
    kendallpb
    That. Is. Awesome!
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  • Aug 5, 2013
    gregincal
    I like the fact that Automobiles was a huge interest of Model S fans, but didn't register at all for Prius fans. Makes sense.
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  • Aug 20, 2013
    mikefly562
    I'm a fan of both the Prius and the Tesla S....both cars have scored so well among it's users, and represent the best of automotive technologies that will, in the long run, reduce our insane appetite for oil.
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  • Aug 20, 2013
    efusco
    Drivel... I own both, good luck fitting me neatly into one of those boxes
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  • Aug 21, 2013
    islandbayy
    Cant stand the Prius, not because of the vehicle itself, but what seems to "come with" owning the vehicle.
    My opinion from MY experiences dealing with Prius Owners (Once again, I will repeat, MY OPINION from MY EXPERIENCES) (I work in the auto business and deal with many different types of vehicles on a daily basis, and many different people on a daily basis).
    My experience thus far, as been the SMUG factor. I know I am going to take a lot of heat for my comments, and I am not generalizing this of ALL Prius owners, but a vast majority.
    For starters, South Park (and I hate to say it), hit the nail on the head with the "Smug" attitude of Prius owners. ONCE AGAIN, NOT SAYING ALL PRIUS OWNERS, BUT THE MAJORITY OF THE PRIUS OWNERS I HAVE MET!
    It's the whole Smug, better then everyone else attitude that seemed to popup with driving a Prius. And I do NOT see this from other Hybrid owners (Insight, Escape, Civic & the list goes on). The whole, "I'm saving the planet because I drive a Prius", and one we get quite often at our shop, is the entitlement attitude. It's a Prius, so it must be worked on first before everyone elses vehicle. I also see the "I can do no wrong" attitude & hypocrite attitude as well. One moment they are "saving the planet", the next, they are tossing their hamburger wrapper out the car door when they think no one is looking (generalizing on that one as a example).
    The entitlement attitude mixed with Smug seems to just overwhelm the majority of Prius owners I've met. I blame much of this though, to how the vehicle was Marketed. It was marketed in a manor to "suggest" driving the Prius was Saving the Planet and makes you better then non Hybrid owners.

    Now, I will repeat for a hundreth time, I am not saying this of ALL Prius owners. I have met some very stand up, nice, respectable owners. Though, I GREATLY do not see the above attitude from drivers of other hybrids, specifically, the original Insights. Many of the owners of the Original Insights (The ones that got 60+mpg), seem to be as crazy as me, and just love the vehicle, and have fun driving them. Seem more laid back and at peace with life.

    Now, for Tesla Owners, I do NOT see the SMUG or Entitlement factor; well, actually, I do, however, if I would rate Prius owners attitudes like that, it would rate at a 90% Smug and Entitlement, where as I rate Tesla Owners as a 2-5% like that. And I do not see it as Smug, I see it more as Entitlement, with understanding. Most cases of the Entitlement, are because they felt they spent HUGE money on a vehicle, and did not get treated in the manor of, or did not receive "huge money" type treatment. Bit hard to explain. I can understand that in a way.
    I am not happy that my MS had to go in a second time to have the water issues in my trunk door and tail lights fixed, and I do expect them to fix it. but that is a different type of entitlement/expectation.


    I know I am dragging this on, and will end it here. time for work. I know I am going to get plenty of hate mail for speaking my mind.
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  • Aug 21, 2013
    lorih
    Wow...and I was just pointing out how silly the article was, reducing car owners to "yoga" or "strip clubs and jim beam"...you seem to really hate your job. Maybe you should just fix the cars and hire someone else to deal with the customers, since they all seem to annoy you.

    (Just generalizing, but you seemed not to have anything nice to say about any of your customers).

    PS I don't own a Prius
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  • Aug 21, 2013
    vfx
    Used to be that Cadillac owners where the more arrogant drivers with a "I own the road" attitude. At least the Prius owners don't drive that way.
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  • Aug 21, 2013
    islandbayy

    When did I say I hate all my customers? When did I say I hate my job? When did I say all my customers all annoy me? When did I say all my customers were Prius owners?
    Talk was about Prius owners and Tesla Owners. I was pointing out my observations and differences in attitudes between them (Prius owners and Tesla Owners). Sorry I struck a Smug nerve, however, I specifically stated multiple times I was not talking about all Prius owners, just the majority of the ones I've met. If you would like, I could tell you the general attitudes of Big 4x4 off road owners, Harley Riders, Cadillac & Lincoln owners, BMW Owners, Honda/Nissan owners, Toyota owners, Scion owners (hope you get the point).

    Personally, as long as your not acting like a complete jackass, your moneys as green as everyone else's. Only customers I hate are the ones that don't pay their bill, and the dead ones. Dead Customer = Bad customer. Wish more people listened when I tell them to ware a helmet.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Agreed. I will give that to them.
    Currently, at least here in Milwaukee County, it appears the Dodge Chargers, Corvette's and different Audi's are dominating the road with the road hog mentality. Out of nowhere I've seen a large increase in said vehicles on the roads.
    And of course, their are the REAL Road Hogs (Harley's), at least they mostly have the sense to travel in packs, and mostly are rather curious to other drivers (Apparently, Specifically a Model S Driver that is blasting AC/DC and Zz Top :)
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  • Aug 22, 2013
    jerry33
    I think this is similar to "beware of drivers that wear hats while driving" or "Asian drivers are poor drivers". Once you start noticing drivers with hats, anytime you see one doing something odd while driving it reinforces the perception.
    �
  • Aug 22, 2013
    islandbayy

    Well, so is it bad to say I can vouch for the asian drivers are poor drivers (Wife is Viet, + her 2 sisters, brother and mom live with me, and each has at least 2 vehicle totals in the last 10 years) (NO WAY in heck any of them are ever touching my Tesla)

    Never heard of the wearing hats while driving. What do they say? I am almost required to wear my Fedora whenever I'm out, It's part of my "look". It's that final confirmation for people to recognize me (Weather I'm here in Milwaukee, Houston, Dallas, Vegas, Chicago..... No hat, no recognize, wear hat, I always get a few).
    �
  • Aug 22, 2013
    jerry33
    The point is that some Asian drivers are bad and some are good. I know several from both categories. However, if you are looking for it then every time you see an instance of it, it will reinforce your position.

    I've had several people tell me to watch out for drivers who wear hats because they are always poor drivers and will likely do something erratic. I don't think it's true but the only ones you are likely to notice are the ones that do something erratic. A kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.
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  • Aug 23, 2013
    Tacket
    Oh come on man!!
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  • Aug 23, 2013
    richkae
    Caveat that their "research" is meaningless because they didn't random poll.

    But maybe the difference between Prius drivers and Tesla drivers is that a Prius driver must constantly remind themselves that they are sacrificing to save the environment because a Prius is a punishment car. Tesla drivers don't focus on the environment factor when talking about the car because they feel guilty that the Tesla is so incredibly awesome *and* good for the environment - nothing as awesome as the Tesla should really be good for anything!

    Note: I still have my Prius so I am qualified to call it a punishment car, and I never drive it anymore if I can help it.
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  • Aug 24, 2013
    huntjo
    This thread is devolving. And it wasn't that great from the start.
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  • Aug 24, 2013
    lorih
    I started this thread, and I agree. What was meant to poke fun at a ridiculous story in the media has turned into potentially offensive comments and stereotyping of people. Can the moderator shut this down?
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  • Aug 24, 2013
    vfx
    We still have both.

    Right. Prius is "sacrifice".
    Tesla is "no compromise".

    Heard this at a Tesla delivery. For those making the move from the Toyota to the Tesla, The former is being called the PRE-S.
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  • Aug 24, 2013
    lorih
    Love it!
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  • Aug 24, 2013
    FlasherZ
    With all due respect to those who love their Prii/Priuses/Priae, and after having received the Prius somewhere about 5 times as rental cars, the Prius is the "pre-S" in the same way that an old rusty fork is the predecessor to Deere's plow. :)

    I know that some people love their Prius, but honestly, it seems like compromise in every single way to me. Just my opinion, though, and I respect everyone else's. I've been happily passing Prii/Priuses/Priae for years and will continue to do so.
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  • Aug 24, 2013
    Gear
    I couldn't agree more. I never considered owning a Prius, not even for the slightest moment. I bought my BMW 335d because it's fast and still economical when I want it to be. I'm getting my Tesla because it's along those same lines, but even more so. Plus I'm a huge fan of all the technology involved. The Prius just screams "boring" to me. To each their own, however.
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  • Aug 24, 2013
    jerry33
    I was so impressed with the 2001 Prius I bought for Denise that I bought a 2004 for myself. It was hard to go back to any old fashioned car after driving a Prius. However, it's 5X as hard to go back from a Model S. Ten years ago the Prius was the best car you could buy. It was the first car in a very long time that actually had some innovative engineering rather than just regurgitating the same old technology and boosting it with advertising. However, Toyota hasn't done a thing to materially improve the Prius (My opinion is that the last iteration of the Prius was a step backwards) and now the technology is just kind of old. I wouldn't buy one these days or any car with an ICE.
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  • Aug 25, 2013
    brianman
    I don't care what you might put in your signature, I'm totally stealing this. :)
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  • Aug 26, 2013
    nrcooled
    These are now nominated for post of the year (POTY)!
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  • Aug 26, 2013
    texex91
    LMAO
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  • Aug 29, 2013
    neroden
    Well, it's a non-random sample, but it's not biased in any *obvious* way, apart from being biased towards the sort of people who join "personalization networks" online. You could probably come to some conclusions, but the conclusions are going to be about what people self-advertise as interests, rather than what people are actually interested in. Those are not the same thing.
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  • Aug 30, 2013
    holstein13
    I don't often visit strip clubs drink Jim Beam or smoke weed, but when I do, it's in a Tesla Model S.

    download.jpeg
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  • Aug 30, 2013
    brianman
    Meme picture missing. ;)
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  • Aug 31, 2013
    holstein13
    Thanks, I corrected it.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    lorih
  • Sep 1, 2013
    brianman
    Well there's your problem. "Our research shows that people don't like ice cream when you consider a pile of peanuts to be ice cream." (Full disclosure: I like both peanuts and ice cream. And sometimes together.)

    Or... maybe it just shows that if you make a performant, well-handling vehicle then people will buy it -- whether or not it's electric. Imagine that. People want stuff that doesn't suck.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    lorih
    As usual, we can count on brianman to cut through the BS (not to be confused with MS) and get right the point.

    :smile:
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    ToddRLockwood
    The problem with a study like this is that it's based on what people say they do, not necessarily what they do. Electric car owners rightfully feel good about their environmental footprint, but chances are, that had little to do with their buying decision.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    lorih
    The article points out that Strategic Visions study found that 90 percent of Tesla owners rate �performance� as their top priority, especially �handling and cornering.�, Close to 100 percent of other EV or gasoline-electric hybrid (Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid) owners focus on �fuel economy� as their top priority. Which means to me that being "green" is NOT the reason most people buys EV's. People buy Tesla's because they are great cars all around, people buy other EV's because of "Fuel Economy" which to me means "Gas Prices", not "Save the Planet".

    Tesla folks, just get it all in one package (and at a premium at least for now)...but again, I defer to brianman's more succinct conclusion:People want stuff that doesn't suck.

    Tesla doesn't suck gas, and it doesn't suck in performance.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    brianman
    I'm trying to remember who stated this in the last few weeks (it was over dinner, IIRC) so that I can put the proper attribution. Maybe some of my fellow TMCers can help me remember.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    dsm363
    It was over dinner in Seattle.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    brianman
    Seattle, not Bellevue? Ok that narrows it down to one of you two. Must have been Discoducky. Or you're just being humble by not claiming it.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    dsm363
    That's right, it was that pub in Bellevue. I said it but I'm sure someone said something similar at some point in history like that.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    Lawsteve
    Owned a 2009 911 s. test drove a new 911s. If it had the instant acceleration and the tech of the p85, I would have considered the 911 because of the "on a rail" handling (I would mention my Panamera test drive, but don't want to start yet another thread war involving "theking"). Never even thought about the butt-ugly Prius. Am presently going through the torture of waiting for delivery of my P85.

    Priorities:

    performance 10
    tech. 10
    electric. 1

    Jim beam 0
    tanqueray gin 10
    weed - roundup kills that stuff and my yard looks great

    p.s. in the spirit of obscure movie references: No matter matter where you go.....there you are.....

    EDIT: am a major music fan - vinyl is the only way to go......
    �
  • Sep 1, 2013
    Kaivball
    Lol, I should make that my signature...

    You are so right.

    Electric is just a other propulsion method. I can't afford the Ferrari FF so the Model S will do... :)
    �
  • Sep 1, 2013
    ToddRLockwood
    This is exactly what I would have expected. No surprises here.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    Kaivball
    I know you are joking...
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    lorih
    I'm guessing jerry33 was pointing referring to the other 'reason people by EV's'. "Green" or "Fuel Economy"...10 years ago Prius was the best car in those two categories, (if that was the your top buying decision), though Prius lacked in many other areas.

    (BTW..I'm not judging the owners of Prius, Nissan Leaf or Tesla. This was always intended to be an exercise in "buying decisions" not a judgement on people)
    �
  • Sep 1, 2013
    jerry33
    Also technical innovation, styling, and fun-to-drive. It was in a tie the "most fun" car I've driven up to the Model S.
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  • Sep 1, 2013
    lorih
    OK..I've never driven Prius, so I can't judge for myself. I'm glad you enjoyed both cars. Thanks for your perspective. (I currently can't drive at all, so I'm envious of everyone these days!)

    :smile:
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  • Sep 2, 2013
    Gear
    As with lorih, I have never driven a Prius before. I will say you're the first person I've ever seen say that it's a fun car (let alone "most fun"), however, and I really do not find the car interesting in any way.
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  • Sep 2, 2013
    efusco
    I also considered it one of the most fun cars I'd driven. My Model S puts it to shame, but there are many people that feel that way. You have to put "fun" into perspective, but what Prius did to the auto industry is huge, and those of us who, like us here with Tesla now, knew it represented something important and special. If not for the massive adoption of hybrids, the step up to widespread acceptance of EVs wouldn't be the big step it is now, it would have been a monumental one...just ask GM and Toyota....
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  • Sep 2, 2013
    NoMoDinos
    One feature of the Prius that would be cool on the MS is the solar-powered fan. My collegaue's Prius has a tiny solar panel array on the roof, and when it powers up, the fan vents the car. Smart design, in that it will only be powered when it might be useful. Probably adds some weight, of course. I know that Tesla App allows you to do even more, but its nice not to even think about it.
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  • Sep 2, 2013
    jerry33
    Last time I checked that was a $1500 option and it weighs so much that you can't get it with certain other options.
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  • Sep 2, 2013
    Kaivball
    "Fun to drive"

    If you came from a bicycle... :)

    Of course it's a personal perspective and can't be argued with.

    I could list a dozen cars I have had in the last 15 years that drive circle around a Prius in the "fun to drive" category, but that, of course, is just a personal opinion.
    �
  • Sep 2, 2013
    NoMoDinos
    I'm sure Tesla could produce a design that is more efficient, lighter, and still somehow improves the overall sexiness of the car :)
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  • Sep 2, 2013
    brianman
    Except in the literal sense I disagree. And, if I think about it some more, I might disagree in the literal sense as well.

    I'm not a fan on over-priced, often-broken gimmicks that offer far less value than their cost. This is where I concur with others somewhat in the concern about the Model S door handles.
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  • Sep 2, 2013
    NoMoDinos
    I see where you're coming from, and in its current iteration on the Prius I agree that it's highly imperfect (too heavy, too expensive). It does work suprisingly well, though, and should be one of the simpler mechanisms in the car, relatively resistant to breaking down. If the technology improved in regards to weight savings (and efficiency), this might be nice to have for some people. In areas where temps can top 100F, even a 5-6 degree change could make a significant difference in comfort. I'm sure it doesn't make much difference in terms of battery use since the MS AC is so efficient, but I like the idea of not having to use battery power to cool the car a bit. Wouldn't pay $1500 for it, though :)
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  • Sep 3, 2013
    richkae
    Ten years ago the Prius was very cool new technology.
    If you spend some time to understand how it works it is actually a really beautiful piece of engineering: PSD and Graham's Toyota Prius
    I spent my first few years of ownership fascinated by it and enjoyed learning to drive it efficiently.

    Now however, it is just another overcomplicated ICE with too many parts when compared to an electric drivetrain.
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  • Sep 3, 2013
    Owner
    Subsequent rewrites and those who comment are starting to sound like the guy at Teslive that got booed:

    The study found that Tesla has 29 percent fewer female owners than the average luxury brand, 10 percent fewer than the average electric car nameplate, and around 14 percent fewer than two other popular choices in the luxury segment, the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
    Tesla owners also expressed �love� for their cars, with �overall vehicle experience� at a rate 20 percent higher than other plug-in electric car buyers. Analysts believe this is because Tesla pitches the Model S as both an electric car and a performance car.

    Read more at Why Men Love Their Tesla Model S Electric Cars
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  • Sep 9, 2013
    texex91
  • Sep 9, 2013
    brianman
    I think the ones doing the study are the ones that enjoy pot.
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  • Sep 9, 2013
    Plug Me In
    Well, who doesn't?
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  • Sep 9, 2013
    texex91
    Prius owners LOL!
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