2009 BMW 523 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 1 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 523. 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 (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 523 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
