2001 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (217 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 442 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander 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 Phaeton (551 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (301 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3010 mm |
