2009 Toyota Prius vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prius | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
