2004 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 8 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 460 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2004 BMW 318 (355 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander. 2012 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. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 318 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
