1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2001 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 151 kg more than 1996 Toyota MR2.
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, 2001 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | MR2 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
