1997 Toyota Carina vs. 2005 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2005 Toyota Prius is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Carina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Prius. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Prius weights approximately 155 kg more than 1997 Toyota Carina.
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, 1997 Toyota Carina (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Prius. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Prius. 2005 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Carina 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:
| 1997 Toyota Carina | 2005 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Carina | Prius |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
