Much Difference Between 4.2 And 4.3 Petrol?

[Molnboman]

Hej Hej

Having a rethink about upgrading to perhaps a 4.3 petrol. Is there much difference in terms of cabin comfort,quality of ride in a 2007/2008 model than a 2003....essentially, is it a better experience to drive than the 4.2's. I believe the engines are similar, however, is a better to own/drive than a 4.2?

Any links to previous postings orcomments would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Allan

[Hoovie]

Not driven a Petrol 4.3, but when I tried a 2006 diesel 4.3 for a week while I had my 2005 2.0 Petrol, I found the RAV4.2 better in handling terms, but the newer 4.3 more refined in terms of road noise.

I would say the RAV4.2 2.0 VVTi is maybe the best 'drivers' and is hard to beat, with the later cars more 'cruisers'

[Big Kev]

Probably not entirely revelant, Alan, but the difference in engine noise transmitted by my diesel 2.2AD engine versus wifes 3 door petrol is astounding....hers really does always sound brasher and screamy, put partly down to the fact it cries oot for a 6th gear....!!!...and obviously mine should have more soundproofing...?

Transmitted road noise is where I think you would notice the 4.3 to be vastly improved.

Big kev...edit...just read Hoovie's postment....agree entirefully.

[Molnboman]

Has the 4.3 petrol got 6 gears?....thatwould make life on the motorway a bit more pleasant!....I would think the 4.3 petrol would be quieter as it looks a little better in terms of trim etc etc.....Just wondered if there was a significant difference or not....thanks for the replies anyway...I guess the best bet is to go for a wee test drive.

Cheers

A

[Big Kev]

Has the 4.3 petrol got 6 gears?....thatwould make life on the motorway a bit more pleasant!....I would think the 4.3 petrol would be quieter as it looks a little better in terms of trim etc etc.....Just wondered if there was a significant difference or not....thanks for the replies anyway...I guess the best bet is to go for a wee test drive.

Cheers

A

Yah took the words right out of mamooth there, Al, and in case I have missed your point or it is not readily available in That Sweden, don't be scared to try the diesel wan also too forbye. Get a 150hp one and Kingo Chip and look back you will not.

Big Kev

[kipperwood]

Hi I had a 2003 petrol vx model which was top of the range at the time. It was a fantastic car and I had no problems what so ever, over the three years I had it. When it came to replace it I went for the 2006 petrol xt4 which had the same approximate spec as the old vx, not really being bothered about the sat nav and cruise etc of the new xt5. The new one is also a really good car and cabin space is bigger with rear leg room being a lot better. I went for petrol because of the reliability of the vvti and ease of DIY servicing. It is slightly better on fuel than the mk2 but We only do around 7000 miles per year so both are acceptable for a good all round family car. I posted a pic of mine in the photo sections above if you can follow my user name.

[bothwell_buyer]

Driving a diesel or comparison with one is a bit like the song.. "don't look back in anger" cos thats where you'll be ... at the back !"

Hopefully not too long before I get my act together and number 1 back on the road. Things been hectic so not been on here for ages.

[NMaria]

I used to have a 4.2 VVTi GX and loved it: it was reliable and fun to drive. Now I have a 4.3 D4D XTR and it is really quite a different animal. Obviously this is due in part to the fact that it is a diesel, but it is also bigger and more spacious, with better legroom in the back and a decent size boot. It handles well enough but is not as much fun as the 4.2. For me, the 4.3 has a big advantage of the 4.2 in that it is better suited to long distance or motorway driving: it has a 6th gear, is quieter and more comfortable. The 4.2 was tiring at speeds above 60mph, whereas the 4.3 will cruise comfortably and fairly quietly at 80mph or more.

Both equally fabulous in the wintry conditions or for mild off-road use.

[dwilson]

I used to have a 4.2 VVTi GX and loved it: it was reliable and fun to drive. Now I have a 4.3 D4D XTR and it is really quite a different animal. Obviously this is due in part to the fact that it is a diesel, but it is also bigger and more spacious, with better legroom in the back and a decent size boot. It handles well enough but is not as much fun as the 4.2. For me, the 4.3 has a big advantage of the 4.2 in that it is better suited to long distance or motorway driving: it has a 6th gear, is quieter and more comfortable. The 4.2 was tiring at speeds above 60mph, whereas the 4.3 will cruise comfortably and fairly quietly at 80mph or more.

Both equally fabulous in the wintry conditions or for mild off-road use.

The 2007 4.3 petrol doesn't have a 6th gear (only the diesel)

David

[Molnboman]

Forgive my numptiness....but are 4.3 oil burners reliable engines? By the sounds of it the most recent models have big issues......and I am so enjoying not having the diesel egr/dual mass flywheel blues right now....owning a petrol car right now!

A