2009 Toyota Prius vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 364 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Toyota Prius. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prius | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 4.9 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
