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 31 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (238 HP @ 6250 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. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 193 kg more than 2006 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 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 | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 269 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
