1997 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,494 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 206 kg more than 2009 Toyota RAV4.
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, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (131 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2009 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2670 mm |
