2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
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 Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (209 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 482 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 331 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 2166 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
