2001 Toyota Solara vs. 2008 BMW 118
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 118 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 118 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2001 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 118 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 2008 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2008 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Solara. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Solara. 2008 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 2001 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2001 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Toyota Solara | 2008 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | Solara | 118 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2164 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
