1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520.
Because 1988 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (249 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
