06 RAV4 v6 vs X3 3.0 real world opinions please
 

Hi everyone, I have been researching on the internet for a future SAV for the wife. We are not new to the BMW world since we currently own an e36 M3 (auto-x only car), e36 325i, and an e46 325i. We have had an X3 as a loaner awhile back and while it was a 2.5, we found it pretty impressive. Now Toyota seems to have raised the bar with the 269hp RAV4 sport with a weight of @ 3500lbs. Being an avid auto-xer, I know that weight plays a huge factor in driving dynamics and performance. Published figures (taken with a grain of salt) has the RAV4 outrunning the X3 to 60 and the 1/4 mile, but not being able to outbrake the x3 . Has anybody done a real world comparison b/t the two? X3 owners, how have your experiences been with your X3? Sorry for the long post. Thanks.

well the 2007 has 270hp and um Its a Toyota? Thats all I have to say

so?:confused:

I'm not a Toyota fan, never been, never will and a RAV4 is in a whole different class then a BMW X3

the two cars are so different it's hard to compare. You can argue that Toyota is better known for reliability, BMW better know for "driving experience" (and luxury ofcourse). Assuming that what you say above is accurate and the rav4 really is quicker (let's say that equates to more fun to drive - but that's so subjective), then i'd go with the rav-4. Ouch, I can't believe I said that.

I'm a true BMW fan and don't see me choosing a toyota over a bimmer. But if you aren't stuck on bimmers the way i am...

sure you'll save some money too - which is always a plus.

Having 4 bimmers over the span of 15 years, I think I am a loyal BMW fan as well. I do look at BMW's first, but the RAV4's specs caught my eye. I agree that the X3 and RAV4 are not in the same league, but the performance aspects of the RAV4 make you at least consider it. I've had a corolla before, while it is a crapbox, it ran and took abuse well.

My Qtr's Worth...LONG
 

bjo,

I drove the new RAV4, both the 4 cyl and the 6, a monthish ago. I was
toying with the idea of tossing my wife's CR-V. The new RAV is very well done and much improved over the former version in all ways that I could discern in 2 seperate 20 min test rides. (I hammered both the 4 & 6 pretty hard, much to the displeasure of the salesjerk.) :)

Both had the "sport pkg", but I could not really tell what the diff was between "sport" and regular, nor could the sales jerk explain, other than
larger wheels and tires. Handling was "good" on corners. Ride on highway was decent, too.

The 6 has some serious grunt, but it is more than we would need for a grocery getter, etc., as we don't tow. The 4 is a lil'buzzy, but decent power and similar in perf., engine-wise to our CR-V, and better mpg than the 6, no matter what the EPA says.

Both the 4 & 6 were good cars, and the 4, even loaded, is well priced.
(Sltrs were initially marking them up in western NC, though the bloom is off the rose. Also, Toyota builds and sells them, "regionally" from what I understand: some stuff/pkgs are harder to get in some parts of the country/"regionally based", than in other regions, fwiw. :confused: )

Now, to the X3: they are really different cars, diff. mkt, diff target, etc., imo.

The X3 is more upscale, "quicker" in all ways, imo, w/poss. 0-60 run vs. the RAV 6 cyl., but I don't pull hole shots from lights anymore. I suspect the X3 is faster from 30-60, 50-80, etc., real world get up and go situs.

The X3 handles better in any corner/real world test, imo. The Sport pkg X3 will simply run around the RAV. The X3 is more "teutonic" inside, and a much diff "feel"...It is also a lot more dough, but that comes with the 5 yr warr. and "maint."

I've driven several X3s, 2 RAVs, but own an X5, so I can't claim to have owned and driven at length, both the cars you are considering.

If it was my dough and I was buying, as opposed to leasing, and I wanted to really replace the current pos CR-V with another utility grocery getter, I would get the 4 cyl. RAV. If/when I replace the X5, I will look very hard at the X3 Sport.

They are not strictly apples and apples, espc. at the respective price point with the usual "stuff" on them.

My Qtr's up on the JukeBox...GL on your pick.
BR,mD

well said Uncle

So...No hole shots anymore eh? Not even with the Vette?;)

Great write up MD! That's why this site is so great. :thumbup:

OT...I've actually never dropped the clutch from a dead stop on the Vette...I've seen many do it, but it really just smokes the tires and balds them pretty quickly.

I have hammered the sumbitch from a 15 mph rolling start and other assorted nonsense, though. It is near M'cycle quick and fast, even in the upper reaches of common sense. :)