2006 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Toyota Cresta
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Cresta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Cresta would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Cresta. (217 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Cresta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1996 Toyota Cresta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Cresta. (294 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Cresta. 1996 Toyota Cresta has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Toyota Cresta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1996 Toyota Cresta | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | Cresta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
