2007 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Highlander (155 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 18 kg more than 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2007 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2007 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2362 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
