2006 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 4 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 440 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 2006 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 2006 BMW M3. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
Make | BMW | Toyota |
Model | M3 | Solara |
Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2438 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 162 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 365 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 | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1395 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2680 mm |