2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (206 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 6 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 206 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
