1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 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 154 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 324 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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 (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 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:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 318 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.3 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
