2009 BMW 530 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 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (216 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 470 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
Because 2009 BMW 530 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 530. 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 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 530 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
