2004 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota RAV4 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 67 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Toyota RAV4 (161 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota RAV4 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
