2010 Toyota Highlander vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (252 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 356 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2010 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 2010 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Toyota Highlander | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1864 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4785 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
