2009 Toyota Prius vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 830 kg more than 2009 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prius | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1495 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
