2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2004 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Prius. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 30 kg more than 2004 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Prius. 2004 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2004 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma | Prius |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 45 L |
