2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2002 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Avalon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Avalon would be higher. At 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Avalon. (210 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Avalon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 895 kg more than 2002 Toyota Avalon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Toyota Avalon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Avalon. (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Avalon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2002 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander | Avalon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2581 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
