Compare Toyota Prius and Opel Ampera: Which is Better?

The Toyota Prius and the Opel Ampera are two of the most popular hybrid cars on the market. They both offer great fuel economy and emissions figures, but which one is better? In this article, we'll compare the two cars in terms of their performance, practicality, running costs and environmental credentials to see which one comes out on top.

Performance

Both the Prius and the Ampera are powered by petrol engines combined with electric motors, but there are some key differences in the way they deliver their power. The Prius uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine, while the Ampera has a 1.4-litre petrol engine. The Prius' engine is more powerful, with a total output of 134bhp compared to the Ampera's 101bhp. This gives the Prius a 0-60mph time of 10.4 seconds, while the Ampera takes 11.7 seconds.

The Prius also has a larger battery pack than the Ampera, meaning it can travel further on electric power alone. The Prius can travel up to 15 miles on electric power, while the Ampera has a range of just over 25 miles.

Practicality

The Prius is a hatchback, while the Ampera is a saloon, so there's a difference in the amount of space you get inside the car. The Prius has a larger boot, with a capacity of 502 litres compared to the Ampera's 340 litres.

The Ampera is a five-seater, while the Prius can seat up to five people. However, thePrius has more headroom and legroom in the back seats, so it's more comfortable for taller passengers.

Running costs

The Prius is more expensive to buy than the Ampera, with a starting price of £23,295 compared to the Ampera's £28,995. However, the Prius is cheaper to run, with fuel costs of just over £1,000 per year compared to the Ampera's £1,500.

The Prius also has lower emissions than the Ampera, meaning you'll pay less in road tax. The Prius emits just 89g/km of CO2, while the Ampera emits 104g/km.

Environmental credentials

Both the Prius and the Ampera are very environmentally friendly cars. The Prius emits just 89g/km of CO2, while the Ampera emits 104g/km.

The Prius has a smaller carbon footprint than the Ampera, with emissions of just 106g/km compared to the Ampera's 121g/km.

Is Opel Ampera hybrid?

The Ampera is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it can be plugged into the mains to recharge the battery. It can also charge the battery while you're driving, using regenerative braking.

The Ampera has a range of over 25 miles on electric power alone, and a total range of 310 miles.

The Ampera emits just 34g/km of CO2 when driven in electric mode, making it one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market.

The Ampera is eligible for a government grant of up to £5,000, making it even more affordable.

Conclusion

The Toyota Prius is a great all-round hybrid car, with a spacious interior, good performance and low running costs. However, the Opel Ampera is the better choice if you're looking for an environmentally friendly car. It has a much longer range on electric power, and emits less CO2 overall. It's also eligible for a government grant of up to £5,000, making it even more affordable.