2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2013 Toyota Highlander. (184 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2013 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 224 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Toyota Highlander. 2013 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1521 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4213 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1501 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
