1996 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 16 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 204 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
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 M3 (320 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
