The Thai-based CSL AutoTime channel pitted a nimble, gasoline-powered sports car against a heavier, diesel-driven workhorse. While the Hilux had received performance upgrades, including a modified turbocharger, its diesel engine inherently faced an uphill climb against the BMW’s potent gasoline unit.
The Hilux’s additional weight and the slower shifting characteristics of its automatic transmission further amplified the disparity in acceleration. Despite the diesel pickup’s increased power and torque figures compared to its stock form, the BMW’s superior power-to-weight ratio and lightning-quick shifts proved to be insurmountable obstacles.
The drag race ultimately underscored the challenges diesel engines often encounter in drag racing against their gasoline counterparts, especially when paired with less responsive transmissions. The BMW 430i emphatically outclassed the Hilux Revo Z Edition in a direct drag race, underscoring the vast chasm in performance between a luxury sports coupe and a utilitarian pickup truck.
The Thai-built Hilux struggled to match the German contender’s acceleration, particularly at the start where its transmission proved noticeably slower than the BMW’s ZF-equipped gearbox. To level the playing field, the second race saw the 430i driven in ECO PRO mode, yet the Hilux still found itself trailing significantly.
While the pickup offered a weight advantage and a broader torque band, these factors were insufficient to overcome the 430i’s superior power delivery and performance capabilities.
The numbers tell a clear story: the BMW completed the quarter-mile in a swift 14.52 seconds at a blistering 157 km/h, while the Hilux labored to a time of 18.97 seconds at a mere 125 km/h.
Notably, the 430i achieved these figures with minimal modifications, save for an aftermarket exhaust system, highlighting the inherent performance disparity between the two vehicles.
The stark contrast in pricing further emphasizes this divide. In Thailand, the 430i commands a hefty 4,129,000 baht due to exorbitant import duties, while the Hilux Revo Z Edition starts at a much more affordable 669,000 baht. This price differential underscores the luxury and performance orientation of the BMW compared to the practical, budget-conscious nature of the pickup truck.
