2004 BMW 320 vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 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, 2004 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 75 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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 320 | Solara |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 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 | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
