2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Highlander 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 112 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 1283 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco. 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 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco. 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco. (240 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Scirocco |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2581 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4256 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1404 mm |
