2006 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Toyota Sienna
To start off, 2012 Toyota Sienna is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Sienna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Sienna (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 430 kg more than 2006 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 523 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 2006 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna, 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, 2012 Toyota Sienna (332 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Sienna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523. 2012 Toyota Sienna has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Sienna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2012 Toyota Sienna | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 523 | Sienna |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 2062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1984 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
