1973 BMW 3 vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2003 Toyota Highlander is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 415 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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. Let's talk about torque, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
