2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
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 Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,170 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 972 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.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 4170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1384 kg | 2356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 90 L |
