2004 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2004 Toyota RAV4. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 29 kg more than 2004 Toyota RAV4. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota RAV4. (161 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota RAV4 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 9.3 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 | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
