1996 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2007 Toyota Highlander is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Highlander (155 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 2007 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
