1996 Toyota Cresta vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2011 Toyota Highlander is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Cresta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Cresta would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Cresta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Cresta (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2011 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Cresta should accelerate faster than 2011 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 330 kg more than 1996 Toyota Cresta.
Because 1996 Toyota Cresta is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Toyota Cresta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Toyota Cresta (294 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Cresta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Cresta | 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Cresta | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
