[bdonally]

I've got one of each.
The Prius is a nice offset to my less politically correct ride, and yes, it does generate a fairly good sized cloud of smug.

Along the lines of the cloud of smug hovering over my 911 when around a bunch of (likely faster) Japanese tuner cars.

The technology content of the Prius is an order of magnitude higher than in either of my German cars - appeals to my eng side.
As far as the advertised torque - it is pretty theroetical. The acceleration is OK, that all, and no where what you would expect from 350 lb-ft of torque. A bunch of parts would break or go up in smoke if the electronics allowed the stall torque to actually be available.
OTOH, the 911 at 6500 rpm makes a way nicer noise and puts many more smiles on my face.