2005 Toyota Highlander vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 8 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 305 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2005 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Highlander. 2005 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
