2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2003 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota RAV4 (145 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 217 kg more than 2003 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2003 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota RAV4. (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota RAV4. 2003 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. 2003 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2003 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4534 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
