1972 Mazda RX-4 vs. 2010 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2010 Toyota Prius is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1972 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Mazda RX-4. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda RX-4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Prius weights approximately 270 kg more than 1972 Mazda RX-4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mazda RX-4 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Mazda RX-4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Prius, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 Mazda RX-4 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mazda RX-4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda RX-4 | 2010 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-4 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2700 mm |
