2005 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 2 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota RAV4 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 109 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.
Because 2005 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Toyota RAV4 (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota RAV4 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 14.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1264 kg | 1155 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
