2002 Toyota Solara vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 81 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 320 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 2006 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320. 2006 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2002 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2002 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Solara | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | Solara | 320 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2438 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2730 mm |
