2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,545 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (311 HP @ 3300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 595 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 BMW X3 (630 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | Highlander | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3545 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 67 L |
