2003 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 401 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2003 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota Highlander | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
