2004 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco (207 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 387 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco.
Because 2004 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Highlander. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Highlander. 2004 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Scirocco |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4256 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1404 mm |
