2002 Toyota Solara vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 7 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 280 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 2009 BMW 330 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 2009 BMW 330. 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, 2009 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara. 2009 BMW 330 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. 2009 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Solara | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | Solara | 330 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2438 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2770 mm |
