2008 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 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 (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2001 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 2001 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 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 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 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2512 mm |
