2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2010 Toyota Highlander is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 762 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
