1973 BMW 3 vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1981 Toyota Soarer is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 35 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
