2004 Ford Escape vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2004 Ford Escape is newer by 1 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Escape (203 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 242 kg more than 2004 Ford Escape.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Escape. 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, 2004 Ford Escape (272 Nm) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Escape | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escape | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1443 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 73 L |
