2006 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Toyota RAV4. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 9 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota RAV4. (161 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
