1996 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2005 Toyota Prius is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Prius. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 318 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2005 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 318 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 1996 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1996 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Prius. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Prius. 2005 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 318 | 2005 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 318 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
