2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2002 Toyota Prius
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 Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Prius 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 199 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Prius. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 134 kg more than 2002 Toyota Prius. 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2002 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander | Prius |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1384 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 48 L |
