2003 BMW 330 vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 330 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 86 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2003 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 330 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:
| 2003 BMW 330 | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 330 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1330 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 Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
