2003 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota 4Runner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota 4Runner would be higher. At 4,662 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota 4Runner (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 624 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Toyota 4Runner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota 4Runner 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, 2003 Toyota 4Runner (434 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Toyota 4Runner has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota 4Runner | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4Runner | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4662 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2580 mm |
