1980 BMW 316 vs. 1999 Toyota Prius
To start off, 1999 Toyota Prius is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,573 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Prius (127 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Prius weights approximately 545 kg more than 1980 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 BMW 316 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 1980 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1980 BMW 316 (124 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Prius. (108 Nm). This means 1980 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Prius. 1999 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 1999 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 316 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
