2003 Toyota Avensis vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2003 Toyota Avensis is newer by 2 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Avensis (157 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Avensis should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 Toyota Avensis.
Because 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Toyota Avensis. 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, 2001 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Avensis. (204 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Avensis. 2001 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota Avensis has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota Avensis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota Avensis | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Avensis | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
