1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1999 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR2 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1999 Toyota MR2. (140 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 453 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2. 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota MR2. (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1999 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | Z3 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 48 L |
