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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (247 HP @ 6250 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 276 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 2750 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 | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| 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 | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 68 L |
