1998 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 925 kg more than 1998 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (178 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Toyota RAV4 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 2210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1930 mm |
