2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 (209 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 401 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| 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 | 209 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
