2008 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1998 Toyota MR2.
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, 2008 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 318 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
