2003 Toyota Prius vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Toyota Prius is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 745 kg more than 2003 Toyota Prius. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Prius. 2003 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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:
| 2003 Toyota Prius | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prius | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
