2006 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2003 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2006 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota RAV4 (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Forester weights approximately 135 kg more than 2006 Toyota RAV4.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2006 Toyota RAV4 (194 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Forester. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Forester. 2003 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 2006 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 2006 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | 2003 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Toyota | Subaru |
| Model | RAV4 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 194 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
