1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 137 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. 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 Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (163 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | Z3 | Corona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2530 mm |
