2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 154 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 100 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1384 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
