1996 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2011 Toyota Prius is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Prius weights approximately 415 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. 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, 2011 Toyota Prius (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2011 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Prius |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
