2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2008 Toyota Highlander and 2008 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,545 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3545 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |
