2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 310 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 159 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
