RAV v. Grand Vitara
 

Anyone have an idea which is better for two people with some travel on some bad roads, etc?

Get the bigger one with the most ground clearance--I doubt that would be the RAV.

On 4WD roads, bigger isn't better. That's why a Wrangler is a better off-road choice than an Grand Cherokee.

We rented a RAV4 in the Turks & Caicos and a Grand Vitara on Tortola. We preferred the RAV because it had a better suspension. There wasn't much difference in size.

True, bigger isn't necessarily better, but the ground clearance is very important. The RAV is not truly designed as an off the road vehicle--it's a soccer mom car that provides AWD security in adverse paved highway conditions.

Okay, everyone, consider this...If you've ever driven one of these two cars, you'll understand that your comfort level is important, also. Smaller-built people can fit almost anything. Large-framed people will want the larger car.
For example, I'm exactly average sized person, (look this up online, if you're curious - it is confirmed every time I buy clothes) but when I test drove some of the above vehicles for purchase in the States, and compared the Toyota 4Runner to the Chevrolet Tahoe, it was a no-brainer once I discovered that my right elbow and the salesman's left elbow were competing for space. Not good. If you're bouncing around on a rough road, you don't want to be in jarring contact with your traveling companion.

The other consideration is the amount of luggage and gear you will be taking along for those rides. I like my camera on my lap, my backpack/CamelBak within reach, and all the other luggage accessible by the tailgate.

Don't bother to compare the power/weight ratio for each vehicle. You'll be fine with either one.

A longer wheelbase will minimize bumps, but let's be real here: it doesn't really matter. You'll feel all the bumps in either vehicle because neither one is new when you rent them.

Ground clearance will make the most difference when you have a water crossing (w/o a bridge). If you're really into it, you should take a look at whatever 4x4 vehicle you rent to see where the differentials are located. Are they centered? Are they offset to one side? Remember this when driving over rocky projections and aim the thing accordingly to avoid scrapes.

Bueno suerte

Does anyone know which has better ground clearance? and more power?

yalie98 - you would need to know which model years and which engine sizes in order to compare these two vehicles. Once you know this, feel free to use Google.com to find the info.

both vehicles have plenty of passing power (important in CR). The RAV4 is a bit more comfortable on the open road, but the Suzuki has more power and is much better in true 4WD mode (low gear ratio option, more ground clearance). I would tend to rent the Suzuki but both are great.

toucan -
What are the horsepower and torque ratings for each engine option on each vehicle?
For 2004, 2003, and 2002 model years?
Automatic vs. manual transmission?
Thanks...

I don't have the slightest clue, the Suzuki has a 6cyl and the Rav4 has a 4cyl. I've rented both in CR and they are both good. The one i would avoid is the Kia Sorento cause in CR they put a very small 4cyl and you can't pass those slow trucks as safely. My fav 4WD to rent in CR is the Mitsubishi Montero at Avis. But it is a painful $85 in high season i think

<b>yalie98</b> : Rent either one. You'll be fine. Unless you've driven both, you won't know the difference. If you drove three vehicles of the exact same model, each a rental car with 15,000+ Km on the odometers, you will have different experiences.


I'm not trying to start a riot here, I am simply making several points. The bottom line is that you cannot compare the two vehicles for power, etc.

<b>Toucan</b> : Here's what you wrote at 7:25pm : &quot;The RAV4...but the Suzuki has more power...&quot;
And, in your next post at 10:11pm, you say that you &quot;don't have the slightest clue.&quot;
How did I know this when I posted my question to you at 8:44pm?

When yalie98 asked &quot;Does anyone know which has better ground clearance? and more power?&quot; You answered without having the slightest clue. I believe that's accurate.

As I wrote originally...
Date: 11/10/2004, 03:17 pm
Message: yalie98 - you would need to know which model years and which engine sizes in order to compare these two vehicles.

Nobody here knows any of the details of the vehicles being offered by the rental agency. Therefore, there is no way to compare them and recommend one over the other. I'm being accurate, not difficult. I've gone through this before when renting vehicles. You likewise cannot guarantee that the vehicle you reserve is the vehicle you are issued. EXAMPLE: I had a picture and full specifications in hand when I arrived at a car rental agency recently and the agency didn't even offer that model. I drove away in something completely different.

Best regards,