2012 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 842 kg more than 2012 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | RAV4 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1558 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1854 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1684 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2659 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 100 L |
