2005 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Highlander (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 351 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (224 Nm). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1701 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
