1998 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon is newer by 14 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 340 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.
Because 1998 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Avalon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2012 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota RAV4. 2012 Toyota Avalon has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Toyota RAV4 | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | RAV4 | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2819 mm |
