2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 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 165 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
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 (249 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (149 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |
