2006 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 55 kg more than 2006 BMW 525.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2006 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 525 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
