2006 Toyota Prius vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2006 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 46 kg more than 2006 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 Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota Prius. (116 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Prius. 2006 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Toyota Prius | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prius | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
