1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2009 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 340 kg more than 2009 Toyota RAV4.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Impala 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 1971 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4, 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 RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. 2009 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 2009 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Impala | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 3545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2670 mm |
