1996 BMW 332 vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1996 BMW 332 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 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:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 332 | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
