2002 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (206 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 210 kg more than 2002 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Fiesta. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Fiesta | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
