2009 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 210 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 2009 BMW 320. 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, 2009 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 320 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
