a wrote:
> Al Andre wrote:
>
>> I have been considering the CRV LX 4WD very much, and then I started to
>> wonder if I should consider the RAV4 also...
>
>
> Also, you should consider one of the main technical differences between
> them: Honda's "real-time" awd (which is 2wd until it detects slipping)
> and the Toyota's full time awd.
>
> a


As a follow up:

"The permanently-engaged 'Real-Time' four-wheel-drive system, which
works in front-wheel-drive most of the time, has the advantage of
offering better fuel economy than cars with full-time all-wheel-drive
system, and it disengages under braking to allow the four-wheel ABS to
work. On the negative side, if you get stuck in some mud, there is a bit
of a delay in power transfer which might mean that you can't maintain
the momentum needed to continue. In my opinion, full-time 4WD systems,
like the Toyota RAV4's revised system or Subaru Forester's AWD system,
offer superior performance to Honda's system. However, Honda's system is
better than just front-wheel-drive - for those who only need 4WD for
getting out of a snow-filled driveway or getting up a slippery hill,
Honda's system is quite adequate."

From a review (of the 2002) here:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/02cr-v.htm

You may also want to read this:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/hl/04rav4.htm

It's a good site, good reviews and nice large photos...

a