2003 Toyota Highlander vs. 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
To start off, 2003 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser would be higher. At 3,378 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser (176 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser weights approximately 285 kg more than 2003 Toyota Highlander. 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, 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser (303 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota Highlander | 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander | Land Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3378 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
