2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 SSC Tuatara
To start off, 2012 SSC Tuatara is newer by 4 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 6,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 SSC Tuatara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 SSC Tuatara (1,350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 1080 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 SSC Tuatara should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 137 kg more than 2012 SSC Tuatara.
Because 2012 SSC Tuatara is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 SSC Tuatara. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 SSC Tuatara (1,042 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 706 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 SSC Tuatara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2012 SSC Tuatara has manual transmission. 2012 SSC Tuatara 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 | 2012 SSC Tuatara | |
| Make | Toyota | SSC |
| Model | Highlander | Tuatara |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 6932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 1350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 1042 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1384 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1991 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1092 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2667 mm |
