2006 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 108 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 179 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 Passat. 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3538 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 269 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
