2008 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 17 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (252 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 153 kg more than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
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 (335 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 269 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
