1996 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota RAV4 (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. (79 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 138 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota RAV4. (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota RAV4 | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
