2008 BMW 320 vs. 2003 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,437 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2003 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 320 | Solara |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
