2003 Toyota Highlander vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 353 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 529 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 90 L |
