2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1998 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 334 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 1998 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota RAV4. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1998 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
