2006 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,310 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota Highlander (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (69 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 288 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Toyota Highlander (301 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (112 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Polo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3310 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
