2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (206 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 555 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | Highlander | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 206 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 18 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
