2008 Renault Vel Satis vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (184 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Renault Vel Satis. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 Renault Vel Satis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Renault Vel Satis (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Renault Vel Satis | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | Vel Satis | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 105 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
