1996 BMW 540 vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2003 Toyota Highlander is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2003 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 540 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
