2009 Toyota Prius vs. 2008 Tata Nano
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Tata Nano. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Tata Nano would be higher. At 1,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2008 Tata Nano. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 2008 Tata Nano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 1084 kg more than 2008 Tata Nano. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Tata Nano is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Tata Nano. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Toyota Prius (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Tata Nano. (48 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Tata Nano. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2008 Tata Nano has manual transmission. 2008 Tata Nano 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 | 2008 Tata Nano | |
| Make | Toyota | Tata |
| Model | Prius | Nano |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 624 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 48 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3099 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1495 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1652 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 4.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 37 L |
