What is the difference between 'take a look' and 'have a look' in English?

There is no fundamental difference in meaning, but 'take a look' can have a very slightly more informal/casual usage than 'have a look'.

Examples:

# Patient to doctor: "Would you have a look at my throat, please Doctor? It's been sore for over a week now." # School friend to school friend: "Hey! Take a look at that new teacher's car!"

See Related link (below this box), which shows a news clip where both forms are used.