2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara would be higher. At 3,454 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (93 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 1331 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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:
| 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Vitara | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3454 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 73 L |
