2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,736 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 240 kg more than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Vitara | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2736 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 73 L |
