2004 BMW 316 vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 2 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, 2002 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Because 2004 BMW 316 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 2004 BMW 316. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 316 | Solara |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
