2005 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Highlander (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 5 kg more than 2005 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2005 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. 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 Sharan (310 Nm) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (224 Nm). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1701 kg | 1706 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
