1998 BMW 318 vs. 2000 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2000 Toyota Solara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2000 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2000 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Toyota Solara weights approximately 65 kg more than 1998 BMW 318.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Toyota Solara (204 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2000 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2000 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2000 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2000 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 318 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
