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Toyota Prius vs. Scion tC Review

How the Toyota Prius stacks up against the Scion tC - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2010 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $21,000 - $27,670
2010 Scion tC
Price: $17,000
Toyota Prius vs. Scion tC Review

Performance
With respect to horsepower, the Scion tC packs quite a wallop and will knock the Toyota Prius down a few rungs. On the flip side, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
Really small tires, like the ones on the Prius, might improve gas mileage but could also look a little odd. With their comparable turning radiuses, the Toyota Prius and the Scion tC definitely handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Scion's engine is tremendously more massive than the Toyota's. Note that more massive engines may use more gas than smaller ones. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Toyota Prius is tremendously more powerful than the Scion tC. The Toyota Prius packs quite a wallop compared to the Scion tC regarding torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly.

Utility
The Scion tC's more massive trunk will accommodate more big things than the Toyota. The Toyota Prius and the Scion can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Comfort
Taller drivers will substantially enjoy the extra head room in the Toyota Prius's front cabin compared to the Scion. The ampler interior dimensions of the Toyota Prius make it quite a bit roomier for your passengers than the Scion tC.

Dimensions
The Scion tC is slightly more ponderous than the Prius. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Scion than the Toyota Prius because of its bigger tank. The Scion tC and the Toyota Prius compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Scion tC to the dealership as the Prius. In terms of MSRP, the Toyota Prius costs significantly more than the Scion. With respect to purchase price, the tC costs tremendously less than the Toyota. The Scion tC will cost you a bundle in gas every year compared to the Toyota Prius.

Overview
The Scion tC and the Prius have the same basic after-sale protection.

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