1974 Honda Life vs. 2012 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2012 Toyota Prius is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Prius weights approximately 946 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Toyota Prius (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 2012 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Life | Prius |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
