2009 Toyota Prius vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V40 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Volvo V40.
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, 1996 Volvo V40 (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (82 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo V40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo V40 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 | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Prius | V40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 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 | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
