2009 BMW 328 vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 BMW 328 is newer by 6 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 160 kg more than 2009 BMW 328.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 328 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 328 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:
| 2009 BMW 328 | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 328 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 73 L |
