2008 Toyota Avalon vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Avalon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Avalon would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (280 HP) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Avalon. (268 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Avalon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 807 kg more than 2008 Toyota Avalon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Toyota Avalon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Avalon. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Avalon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Avalon | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Avalon | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3454 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 280 HP |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
