2007 Toyota Highlander vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2007 Toyota Highlander. (155 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2007 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 2007 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Toyota Highlander. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Toyota Highlander. 2007 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Toyota Highlander | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2362 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
