Understanding/Comparing RAV4 Engine Spec with CR-V

ruturajp

Hello All
I hear that 2009 RAV4 engine is a better one with more power and so better than CRV.

Is it true?
RAV4 is 179 hp @ 6000 rpm
CRV is 161 @ 4200

To me it sounds that, CRV is better because it can get 161 hp at only 4200 rpm, while RAV4 deilvers 179hp at 6000 rpm (much higher rpm)

-----------------

RAV4 has four speed transmission.
Doesnt this mean, the engine rpm will be higher than that of CRV for the same load and speed?

To me it sounds like more rpm in RAV4 and so, more engine wear + more fuel consumption.

I have to decide between RAV4 and CRV. So, please comment

CRV geat ratios
1st: - 2.786, 2nd: - 1.614, 3rd: - 1.082, 4th: - 0.773, 5th - 0.566 (this is 1/2 to that of RAV4)********

RAV4
1st - 3.94, 2nd - 2.2 , 3rd - 1.4, 4th - 1.02

junebug1701

According to the Edmunds comparison guide, the RAV has 179 hp @ 6000 rpm while the CR-V has 166 hp @ 5800 rpm. The RAV has more torque at lower RPM's--172 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm vs. 161 ft-lbs. @ 4200 rpm. And the RAV gets better gas mileage, which makes the 4-speed vs. 5-speed transmission argument irrelevant.

Of course if you get the V-6 like me, you get a 5-speed transmission and 90 more horsepower. It will blow the doors off any CR-V.

funguy123

To me it sounds like more rpm in RAV4 and so, more engine wear + more fuel consumption

Very Interesting...

But as a consumer I look for MPG & HP
(1) RAV4 has 1 more MPG than CRV
(2) RAV4 has 13 more HP

Also, don't forget 2008 RAV4 had same HP and MPG as CR-V. Toyota did the changes and upgraded RAV4 in 2009, Honda didn't. So RAV4 gets my vote.

So I guess without going in to technical details RAV4 is better than CR-V for me.

ruturajp

True. I see your point. RAV4 engine specs are better than that of CRV.

Coming to gear ratios.....
CRV gear ratios
1st: - 2.786, 2nd: - 1.614, 3rd: - 1.082, 4th: - 0.773,
5th - 0.566 (this is 1/2 to that of RAV4)********

RAV4 (4cyl)
1st - 3.94, 2nd - 2.2 , 3rd - 1.4,
4th - 1.02 ******

In RAV4 4cly, do drivers feel more engine rpm (noise or vroom) especially 65+ mph?
I think the engine rpm would be higher.
Do drivers 'feel' the need for 5th gear?

I drive a lot on freeways and so a bit concerned on this point.

kkrtrek

This is all so subjective, but, I feel the 4-cylinder engine is quite peppy and well-matched to the transmission. I don't notice it getting unusually loud at higher speeds. I just notice that it is happy to keep on going. OK, for me, "higher speeds" means 70-75.

The way in which I feel it might "need" a fifth gear is only because the MPG at freeway speeds is a little disappointing. I don't even have 3000 miles, though, so it should improve a bit.

In answer to your question, no, I don't feel it needs an additional gear based on engine noise or performance, but if that is really important to you, I'd be sure to check in out in a test drive.

ruturajp

Thanks kkrtrek for the info.

How much mpg do you get on highway?

kkrtrek

I bought the car 300 miles from home, so my only measured highway trip was starting with 10 miles on it--not broken in at all. At that time, I think the mileage was in the 26-27 range for the AWD version. EPA is 27 highway. So far, without checking, it seems like I am getting about that in highway driving. I suspect it will improve for another 5,000-10,000 miles, based on my experience with other new cars.

typesix

Don't you have to know the axle ratio as well, not just the tranny ratios?