2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (249 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |
