1996 BMW 725 vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Because 1996 BMW 725 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 1996 BMW 725. 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, 1996 BMW 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 725 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2680 mm |
