1988 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 553 kg more than 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer. 2012 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mitsubishi Lancer | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
| Model | Lancer | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1468 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2659 mm |
