2002 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 240 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2002 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Highlander | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
