2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 135 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
Because 2006 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 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:
2006 BMW M3 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
Make | BMW | Toyota |
Model | M3 | Highlander |
Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3244 cc | 2700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 187 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2789 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |