2011 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 74 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota RAV4. 2011 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1816 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1684 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2659 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
