1978 BMW 725 vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1998 Toyota MR2 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 725.
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, 1978 BMW 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 725 | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 725 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
