1990 BMW 518 vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Solara weights approximately 35 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 1990 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara, 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, 2002 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 518 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
