2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan
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 Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (201 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
