1994 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2004 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2004 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota RAV4 (145 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Toyota RAV4 (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. 2004 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1994 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1994 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Volkswagen Golf | 2004 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2860 mm |
