2009 Ford S-Max vs. 2002 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Ford S-Max is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Highlander (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2009 Ford S-Max. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford S-Max weights approximately 58 kg more than 2002 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2002 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford S-Max. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2009 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Highlander. 2002 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2009 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford S-Max | 2002 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | S-Max | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
