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I finally was near a dealer today and had an hour to spare so for those 4.2 owners who haven’t yet driven a 4.3 here is what I have to say.
NOTE:
Comparison 4.2 - 02 - 2 liter L. 4WD VS 4.3 - 2.4 L. 4WD Both driven with OD off.
(4.3 tested has a slightly narrower tire 225 VS 235)
ERGONOMICS & INTERIOR:
- Overall arm to wheel, leg to pedal, and their angles felt almost the same as the 4.2.
- Seat felt bigger, higher and I was not as snug. (Mind you I wish the 4.2 had softer seats with more sport support than either.)
- Seats where similar with a fairly flat, not to comfortable and not too soft. This did make for easy access and exiting.
- There where side supports on the seats but my body frame (5.8 – 140) did not fit in them. As for lumbard i did not notice much.
- Back foldable seat just puts the seat in a different location than having them fully up and creating a barrier. Did not bother me then again I never have the rear seats in.
-
- The Dash and Finish is more sophisticated and linear than the 4.2. However, I don’t like the middle indentation. I also prefer a high extruding easy to reach stereo, instrument cluster, and glove box like in the 4.2.
- I did forget to look at the coffee cup holder. :roll:
RIDE & HANDLING:
- Was stiff and fairly responsive.
- Steering is no where near as smooth, light, responsive or crisp as the 4.2.
- 2.4 engine hasn’t got the kick for this larger RAV even compared my 2.0 on the 4.2. The 3 will be a totally different story.
Conclusion: (40 minute test, so I may have missed details)
- Esthetic Design is less sporty and more sophisticated. Won't commet on how good it is.
- It is newer so there must be some technological advancement in efficiency, materials and design construction of some components.
- It is bigger and feels bigger
- The 4.2 Handling feel is not there.
I will still test drive the 3 liter engine. Can’t wait to put my foot down to see and hear what happens.
Walt
NOTE:
Comparison 4.2 - 02 - 2 liter L. 4WD VS 4.3 - 2.4 L. 4WD Both driven with OD off.
(4.3 tested has a slightly narrower tire 225 VS 235)
ERGONOMICS & INTERIOR:
- Overall arm to wheel, leg to pedal, and their angles felt almost the same as the 4.2.
- Seat felt bigger, higher and I was not as snug. (Mind you I wish the 4.2 had softer seats with more sport support than either.)
- Seats where similar with a fairly flat, not to comfortable and not too soft. This did make for easy access and exiting.
- There where side supports on the seats but my body frame (5.8 – 140) did not fit in them. As for lumbard i did not notice much.
- Back foldable seat just puts the seat in a different location than having them fully up and creating a barrier. Did not bother me then again I never have the rear seats in.
-
- The Dash and Finish is more sophisticated and linear than the 4.2. However, I don’t like the middle indentation. I also prefer a high extruding easy to reach stereo, instrument cluster, and glove box like in the 4.2.
- I did forget to look at the coffee cup holder. :roll:
RIDE & HANDLING:
- Was stiff and fairly responsive.
- Steering is no where near as smooth, light, responsive or crisp as the 4.2.
- 2.4 engine hasn’t got the kick for this larger RAV even compared my 2.0 on the 4.2. The 3 will be a totally different story.
Conclusion: (40 minute test, so I may have missed details)
- Esthetic Design is less sporty and more sophisticated. Won't commet on how good it is.
- It is newer so there must be some technological advancement in efficiency, materials and design construction of some components.
- It is bigger and feels bigger
- The 4.2 Handling feel is not there.
I will still test drive the 3 liter engine. Can’t wait to put my foot down to see and hear what happens.
Walt