2003 Toyota Highlander vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 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 10 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 622 kg more than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
Model | Highlander | Jetta |
Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1968 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 321 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 2307 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |