2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
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 Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Polo 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 (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 12 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. 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 2006 Volkswagen Polo. 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 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Polo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 45 L |
