1997 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota RAV4 (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Toyota RAV4 (173 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota RAV4 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
