2008 BMW 523 vs. 1997 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Toyota MR2. (173 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1997 Toyota MR2. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1997 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 523 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 173 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
