1996 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota 4Runner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota 4Runner would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (305 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 400 kg more than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (411 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. (295 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota 4Runner has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota 4Runner will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota 4Runner | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4Runner | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 411 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1930 mm |
