1997 Nissan Maxima vs. 2010 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2010 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 13 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 179 kg more than 1997 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2010 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Maxima. 2010 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Maxima | 2010 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Maxima | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2659 mm |
