1999 Toyota Prius vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1999 Toyota Prius. (127 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Prius weights approximately 265 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Toyota Prius. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Prius. (108 Nm). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Prius. 1999 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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:
| 1999 Toyota Prius | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prius | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
