2003 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2005 Toyota Solara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Solara. (161 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Solara weights approximately 10 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 2003 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2005 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | Solara |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
