2003 Toyota Highlander vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Toyota Highlander is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 350 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.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota Highlander | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 2035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 90 L |
