Why is a Highlander faster?

[ChipG]

I took my 2011 T4R in for its first service today and they gave me a 2011 Highlander limited for the day. This thing is super fast compared to the 4runner so, I did some checking:

Highlander- 248 ft lbs tq
270 hp
4255 lbs curb weight

4Runner - 278 ft lbs tq
270 hp
4400 lbs curb weight

Both are 2011 and 145 lbs and -30 ft lbs tq.........

WTF. Maybe gearing?

 

[offroadingatc]

Is it actually faster, or just feels faster?

 

[brockeverly]

Gearing most likely. I noticed the same thing with both the Highlander and v6 RAV4.

 

[Antman]

Being front wheel drive- the drivetrain is also more efficient.

 

[harper7]

I took my 2011 T4R in for its first service today and they gave me a 2011 Highlander limited for the day. This thing is super fast compared to the 4runner so, I did some checking:

Highlander- 248 ft lbs tq
270 hp
4255 lbs curb weight

4Runner - 278 ft lbs tq
270 hp
4400 lbs curb weight

Both are 2011 and 145 lbs and -30 ft lbs tq.........

WTF. Maybe gearing?

Apples to Oranges......The Highlander has a 3.5L Transverse mounted Front wheel drive engine. It's max torque doesn't come on til 4700 rpm where the 4.0L in our trucks peak torque is at 3700 rpm. I drove a Venza with it in as a loaner for 2 weeks when my truck was delayed coming in and it did feel fast and was high revving.

The 4400 curb weight you listed for the 4Runner was the 4cyl 2WD model as the 4X4 weigh 3-400lbs more and the listed curb weight for the Highlander is closer to 4000lbs.Load 800lbs in the Highlander and put bigger wheels and tires and then compare.

The engines have the same bore but the rods are shorter in the 3.5L so it is higher revving and works better with a lighter front wheel drive vehicle. Would not have the balls of the 4.0 when offroading or towing especially with added weight.

The 2GR-FE IS a good engine for a glorified mini van but I wouldn't want it in a truck. Same type of high revving/ball less mini van engine Chrysler/Jeep was putting in there Jeeps.That didn't work IMO!

 

[terra4r]

4runner
0-60: 8.2, 1/4mi: 16.1 @ 86.1 (inside line)

Highlander
0-60: 7.8, 1/4mi: 15.6 @ 86.9 (inside line)

Rav4
0-60: 6.3, 1/4mi: 14.9 @ 92.9 (motor trend)

So what do we gain from this? Don't race a mom in a highlander at the mall, and don't even think you can beat that high schooler in their parents Rav4 V6...

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

It's lighter plus it's FWD. May not have as much torque, but since it's lighter it doesn't need as much. Plus it's unibody. Not BOF.

 

[Alt Freak]

Yes the V6 Rav4 also known as the Ferrari killer

 

[veightkiller]

It's lighter plus it's FWD. May not have as much torque, but since it's lighter it doesn't need as much. Plus it's unibody. Not BOF.

+1 on what he said

 

[ChipG]

Just Pissed

I paid more, got more horse power and the mommy crossover is faster.

Of course, My '07 4Runner was faster too.....


Maybe Quicker is a more accurate term

 

[Alt Freak]

Everyone is complaining about how the 5th gen is not very fast, and how it needs to have a V8. Why? Are you racing other SUV's at stoplights? It's an offroad vehicle, and when you offroad you're not supposed to be speeding through trails.
Well i guess we want a V8 for more torque, but everyone is complaining about not being very fast

 

[terra4r]

Everyone is complaining about how the 5th gen is not very fast, and how it needs to have a V8. Why? Are you racing other SUV's at stoplights? It's an offroad vehicle, and when you offroad you're not supposed to be speeding through trails.
Well i guess we want a V8 for more torque, but everyone is complaining about not being very fast

I was happy with mine, i realize it's an suv and it hauls a$$ for what it is. Try a 3rd gen if you want slow...

 

[harper7]

Everyone is complaining about how the 5th gen is not very fast, and how it needs to have a V8. Why? Are you racing other SUV's at stoplights? It's an offroad vehicle, and when you offroad you're not supposed to be speeding through trails.
Well i guess we want a V8 for more torque, but everyone is complaining about not being very fast

You mean your not buying one to race Saturday night drag races and run the slalom courses at the mall on Sundays in this BOF sports SUV like the rest of us?

 

[Quentin]

Consumer reports has the 4Runner 0.3 seconds faster to 60 and 0.3 seconds faster in the 1/4 mi.

 

[ciaz]

the 4runner is a dog

 

[terra4r]

the 4runner is a dog

by a dog you mean 'tearin it up like a tru gangstaaaa!' then yeah....:banana:

 

[phillyd2]

Apples to Oranges......The Highlander has a 3.5L Transverse mounted Front wheel drive engine. It's max torque doesn't come on til 4700 rpm where the 4.0L in our trucks peak torque is at 3700 rpm. I drove a Venza with it in as a loaner for 2 weeks when my truck was delayed coming in and it did feel fast and was high revving.

The 4400 curb weight you listed for the 4Runner was the 4cyl 2WD model as the 4X4 weigh 3-400lbs more and the listed curb weight for the Highlander is closer to 4000lbs.Load 800lbs in the Highlander and put bigger wheels and tires and then compare.

The engines have the same bore but the rods are shorter in the 3.5L so it is higher revving and works better with a lighter front wheel drive vehicle. Would not have the balls of the 4.0 when offroading or towing especially with added weight.

The 2GR-FE IS a good engine for a glorified mini van but I wouldn't want it in a truck. Same type of high revving/ball less mini van engine Chrysler/Jeep was putting in there Jeeps.That didn't work IMO!

Listen, if you don't know then just say so

 

[KCcarguy]

I've learned to drive my 4runner a bit more aggressively, keep the revs up, and it actually pulls pretty hard over 3k rpm. I think it's just geared to maximize mpg's.

 

[offroadingatc]

i've learned to drive my 4runner a bit more aggressively, keep the revs up, and it actually pulls pretty hard over 3k rpm. I think it's just geared to maximize mpg's.

+1.
.

 

[PracticalFJ]

Our T4R's go fast enough, and can be driven aggressively enough to get in trouble. You just need to know how to make it happen!

I had a court appearance today, because I "might" have been pushing it a bit.

Received a "Not Responsible" verdict from the judge....thankfully.

It was the second time I got pulled over in the T4R, the first time was just for "driving on the sidewalk".:hatsoff::hatsoff: