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Complete list of differences between Prius c and 3rd gen?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by slider, Apr 29, 2012.

  1. slider

    slider New Member

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    Does anyone know where I could find a complete list of differences between the c and the 3rd gen? (Not so much the obvious stuff, more like the little things you might not notice in a test drive).

    Some of the differences I'm aware of:

    - Moonroof on c is not solar
    - Speakers on c not as good as the JBL in 3rd gen
    - No backup camera on c

    Are there other things like these that I should be aware of? Trying to decide which one to get!!!
     
    #1 slider, Apr 29, 2012
  2. moezer2112

    moezer2112 Futurist

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    Well, one big one is the hybrid synergy drive on the prius c is smaller to fit the c, its got a smaller engine, the 1.5 L, updated from the 2nd gen.

    another thing is the display at the top center of the dash. they are quite different. you might really prefer one over the other. I like the crisp white on black display of the gen 3, but not enough to get it instead of the c.

    i'm sure others with experience with the gen 3 can provide more.
     
    #2 moezer2112, Apr 29, 2012
  3. Redcap32

    Redcap32 Junior Member

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    the C is 500lbs lighter and has a shorter wheelbase, and its a bit stiffer. Realy it would be easier to know more about you and what your looking for in a car and what you want it to do.
     
    #3 Redcap32, Apr 29, 2012
  4. BGGirl

    BGGirl Member

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    Okay.. so far most of these things are what is better on the 3rd Gen.. anything that is better on the C? Just wondering. :)
     
    #4 BGGirl, Apr 30, 2012
  5. TC400

    TC400 Active Member

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    For me the biggest difference was the gear select. I prefer it on the floor! Than that little knob. And the water fall thing they have too hate that. And there is no smart key button on the passenger door on the lift back. And there is two hooks on the front for towing! I was at my grandpas yesterday comparing my C to his Gen 3!
     
    #5 TC400, Apr 30, 2012
  6. BGGirl

    BGGirl Member

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    Waterfall thing?
     
    #6 BGGirl, Apr 30, 2012
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Better on the c?

    - Cheaper to buy
    - Lighter (~500lbs)
    - More fun-to-drive (subjective, I know)
    - Slightly more fuel efficient (officially... though numbers are coming in much higher than 53 city)
    - Smaller dimensions --> easier to park
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Apr 30, 2012
  8. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    The Biggest difference IMO is that The Prius c, is a subcompact hatchback...and the (regular) Prius is a mid-size, with a hatch.

    You can create a list of differences...but IMO the best thing is to go sit in, and test drive both.

    The Prius c is "hot" right now, as the new thing...

    But a year from now? 2 years from now? The Prius c is going to be Toyota's entry level Hybrid. The Prius? Will be considered a step up.

    So ultimately, I think it should be what you want? Do you want smaller? Or Do you want larger? You can tweak the ammenities depending on what you want to spend on either...but the aspect that doesn't change is Subcompact vs. Mid-Size.
     
    #8 The Electric Me, Apr 30, 2012
  9. slider

    slider New Member

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    Thanks for the replies everyone. I previously owned a 2004 Prius, but when I stopped commuting we sold it and bought a minivan, since our kids were to the age when that was useful. Now, however, I will be commuting again (42 miles each way), so we will have to buy a second car.

    I'm trying to decide between a used Gen 3, Prius c 4, or Prius 4. With the kids, I really want leather/softex seats, and the seat heaters would be a nice plus, so that's why I'm at those trim levels.

    I test drove the Prius c 4 and the Prius 4.

    The main strike against the c for me was that it seemed to ride really rough--I felt every bump, pothole, and bit of rough pavement. The regular Prius had a much smoother ride, and I liked the extra power it had. The extra space would also make it possible to throw a snowboard or road bike in the back--I imagine it would be tight in the c.

    On the other hand, I love the sunroof on the c4, and I won't pay the extra $4000 for it on the regular prius. Additionally, the c4 is $4000 cheaper--or $8000 cheaper if you want a sunroof!

    I'm sure I'll be happy either way I go--can't go wrong with these cars!--but I was just wondering if there were any additional differences I wasn't aware of.
     
    #9 slider, Apr 30, 2012
  10. achtung

    achtung Junior Member

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    My biggest gripe is agreeably the super stiff ride, and 84 miles is a long way. If it's mostly highway, it'll be a bit easier, but also note that it is noisier on the freeway. So if you do stick with the C4, really consider bypassing the 16" wheels for a less stiff less noisy ride, and a much smaller turning radius.
     
    #10 achtung, Apr 30, 2012
  11. moezer2112

    moezer2112 Futurist

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    I test drove a prius c and then a 3rd gen prius. I have driven a Honda Insight since 2000 for reference. What I noticed in the test drive is that I felt very connected and in control of the prius c, like I was able to control the throttle much better for fuel economy. When I drove the Prius liftback, control was distant, the car felt like a lumbering boat, and the throttle felt abstracted from the engine and vehicle response.

    There was no comparison for me. Plus I felt like the flying bridge thing wasted a huge amount of space in the prius liftback and made the interior feel smaller and tighter than the prius c.
     
    #11 moezer2112, Apr 30, 2012
  12. TC400

    TC400 Active Member

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    That THING!
     

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    #12 TC400, Apr 30, 2012
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  13. BGGirl

    BGGirl Member

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    Ah! I don't like that either!
     
    #13 BGGirl, May 1, 2012
  14. TC400

    TC400 Active Member

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    lol its horrible. Who thought that was a good idea.
     
    #14 TC400, May 1, 2012
  15. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    I've never heard the center stack and shifter on any Prius called "the water fall thing".

    As for "no smart key button on the passenger door on the lift back", it depends on the model. On '10 - '11 liftbacks, you had to have model Four/IV or above to have 3-door SKS. On the '12 liftback, it's model Three or above.
     
    #15 cwerdna, May 1, 2012
  16. TC400

    TC400 Active Member

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    Thats what he referred it too lol! I wasnt sure what to call it. and his is a Prius 2 so its not top of the linee but it was just something i noticed
     
    #16 TC400, May 1, 2012
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