2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2005 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (209 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2005 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2005 BMW 520 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 2005 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 520. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2005 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | Highlander | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
