2009 Toyota Prius vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Carina (126 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 145 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Toyota Carina (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1988 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1988 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Prius | Carina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1495 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2540 mm |
