2003 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
