2008 Toyota RAV4 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1994 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1994 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 1994 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1994 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 269 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2480 mm |
