2004 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander

To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 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 158 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.

Because 2008 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 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:

2004 BMW 318 2008 Toyota Highlander
Make BMW Toyota
Model 318 Highlander
Year Released 2004 2008
Body Type Station Wagon SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 3546 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 113 HP 271 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 6200 RPM
Torque 175 Nm 336 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 4700 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 10.8:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 7 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1390 kg 1330 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 4790 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1920 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1770 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2800 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 73 L