1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat 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 105 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 348 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat 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:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Passat | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1854 mm |
