1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 325 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 1974 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (82 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Vega | Prius |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 84.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 45 L |
