2002 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. 2003 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2003 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (300 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2003 Toyota RAV4. (145 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 630 kg more than 2003 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (540 Nm) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota RAV4. (200 Nm). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota RAV4. 2003 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer | 2003 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
| Model | Lancer | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1908 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 57 L |
