2003 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 790 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4148 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1735 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2512 mm | 2790 mm |
