2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 3 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 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (256 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 493 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 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 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Toyota | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Highlander | 159 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 3195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 322 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1848 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 15.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
