1996 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2003 Toyota Prius is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Prius weights approximately 120 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Prius. 2003 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2003 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Prius |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
