2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2012 Toyota Highlander and 2012 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (280 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 600 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Diesel |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | CVT | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2105 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4796 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
