2005 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,309 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Highlander (230 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Passat. 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, 2005 Toyota Highlander (343 Nm) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3309 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
