2008 Acura RL vs. 1996 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Acura RL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1996 Toyota RAV4. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 26 kg more than 2008 Acura RL.
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, 2008 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota RAV4. (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota RAV4. 2008 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 1996 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Acura | Toyota |
| Model | RL | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2450 mm |
