2009 Acura RDX vs. 2003 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Acura RDX is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Acura RDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura RDX (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2003 Toyota RAV4. (145 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RDX should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura RDX weights approximately 172 kg more than 2003 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Acura RDX (353 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota RAV4. (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Acura RDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota RAV4. 2009 Acura RDX has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura RDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RDX | 2003 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Acura | Toyota |
| Model | RDX | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 57 L |
