1999 Volkswagen Caravelle vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. (85 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 584 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle 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 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Caravelle | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2050 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2789 mm |
