1996 BMW 540 vs. 1999 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR2 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1999 Toyota MR2. (127 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 860 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2. 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 540 (440 Nm) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota MR2. (176 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota MR2. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1999 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1999 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1999 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 540 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
