2008 Ford Mondeo vs. 2004 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Ford Mondeo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mondeo (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 54 kg more than 2008 Ford Mondeo.
Because 2004 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Mondeo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Highlander. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Highlander. 2004 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Mondeo has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Mondeo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mondeo | 2004 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mondeo | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1631 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
