Prius Specifications

• The Toyota Prius is used by Northern Illinois University Police Department.
  
  The Prius is propelled by a 76-horsepower gasoline-powered 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with the electric power generating a peak of 110 horsepower. Its wheelbase measures 106.3 inches with an overall length of 175 inches. It stands 58.7 inches tall and 67.9 inches wide. Curb weight is rated at 2,932 pounds, according to edmunds.com and automotive.com.
  
  

Civic Specifications

• The Honda Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter engine and electric motor assist.
  
  The Civic Hybrid's engine is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder version with a maximum horsepower of 110. It features an auxiliary electric motor to power the accessories. Its wheelbase is the same as the Prius at 106.3 inches with an overall length of 177.3 inches, a height of 56.3 inches and width at 69 inches. Its curb weight is 2,877 pounds, according to automotive.com.
  
  

Prius Features

• The Prius hatchback comes in three trim levels: Standard, Base and Touring. Standard equipment features 15-inch alloy wheels, full-power accessories, keyless entry, a hybrid system display, tilt steering wheel, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system and steering-wheel audio controls. The Base trim equips the Prius with different wheels, heated mirrors, a cargo cover and cruise control. The Touring trim has sports-style suspension, 16-inch wheels, air-conditioning, larger rear spoiler, foglamps and xenon headlights, according to Edmunds.com. Touring trim includes leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, and voice-activated navigation system.
  
  

Civic Features

• The Hybrid is its own trim level and comes with standard equipment found on the mid-level EX models. Standard features are: driver/front-passenger/side airbags, traction control, heated outside mirrors, engine immobilizer, power mirrors, locks and windows, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air-conditioning and center floor console, according to automotive.com.
  
  

Prius Performance

• The Prius is not a speedster and clocks the 0-60 mph test at only 10.4 seconds. The EPA-rated fuel economy is the best of any car on the road: 49 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway. City gas mileage is better since the electric motor propels the car at speeds under 30 mpg, according to Edmunds.com.
  
  

Civic Performance

• The Civic Hybrid is agonizingly slow out of the gate with a 0-60 mph performance of 13.5 seconds. Its city performance is a bit jerky, but once on the highway its passing ability is good. The major difference between the Civic Hybrid and the Prius is that the Civic's electric motor does not propel the vehicle, while the Prius does at low speeds. The Civic gets 40 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway, according to edmunds.com.
  
  

Comparison

• The Prius is a true hybrid that gets the best EPA-rated gas mileage of any car today. The Civic Hybrid gets nearly as good gas mileage. The 2009 Prius starts at about $22,000, while the Civic Hybrid begins at about $15,400. The extra cash going to the Prius is for the exceptional fuel economy and true hybrid capabilities, according to edmunds.com.