1996 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2001 Toyota Solara is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 252 kg more than 2001 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Solara. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2001 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
