1978 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
