1997 Nissan Maxima vs. 2009 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 15 kg more than 2009 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2009 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (194 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Maxima | 2009 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Maxima | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
