2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (209 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 218 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
