2006 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 3 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 3,538 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 25 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, 2006 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3538 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 269 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
