2001 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Highlander (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 259 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Toyota Highlander | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2362 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
