1996 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2004 Toyota Highlander is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 375 kg more than 1996 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 316. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Toyota Highlander (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316. 2004 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 2004 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 316 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |
