2002 Toyota Solara vs. 2009 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Solara 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 17 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Solara weights approximately 321 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara. 2009 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 2002 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2002 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Solara | 2009 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Solara | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2438 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
