2004 Toyota Prius vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Prius. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Prius. 2004 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota Prius | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prius | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
