2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 312 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
