2011 Toyota Highlander vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 559 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2011 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Toyota Highlander | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2700 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4785 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
